In a recent interview, Police Regional Director PBGen. Valeriano De Leon stressed that crime statistics have lowered due to quarantine restrictions enforced in provinces amid COVID-19 pandemic.

“We can say that the health restrictions had affected the decrease of crimes in the region as people are unable to go out, particularly those unauthorized persons outside residence, who could be possibly victimized by criminals,” he said.

Central Luzon logged a total of 6,013 crimes for the month of July and August, which is 775 lower than the 6,778 recorded crimes in the same period last year. The region also recorded 96 percent crime clearance efficiency, and 79.7 percent crime solution efficiency.

Despite this, De Leon emphasized that the Central Luzon police is still bent on strengthening its anti-criminality measures, and intensified cleanliness policy, synchronous in managing quarantine control points.

“What is high [in terms of crime volume] here in the region is robbery and theft as people are somewhat deprived of their opportunity to work and they are resorting to illegal means,” he said.
Central Luzon police is conducting crime prevention interventions including the Oplan Sita or the conduct of checkpoints targeting undocumented/unregistered motorcycles; Oplan Manhunt Charlie to nab most wanted persons; Oplan Double Barrel for the drug war; and Oplan Katok to recover unlicensed firearms.

With this, De Leon appealed to the public to continue building trust and confidence in the police who are the major force towards gaining peace, order, and development.

“I call on you to continue supporting our endeavors, especially our anti-illegal drug campaign. Be with us, help us, and altogether, let us win this fight against criminality despite the current pandemic,” he said.

PNP Central Luzon may be reached through the following contact points: Hotlines 0999-883-8327 and 0917- 556-2597; Twitter @rpio_pro3; and the official Facebook page – Police Regional Office 3.
(PIA 3)