Baguio index, non-index crimes on the rise

The Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) reported significant increases in index and non-index crimes committed in the city for the first semester of this year compared to the similar crimes that were committed during the same period last year following the easing up of the prevailing community quarantine restrictions.

BCPO City Director Police Col. Glen Lonogan disclosed that index crimes in the city increased by 51 crimes or 37 percent from January to June this year compared to the index crimes that were committed during the same period last year.

He claimed that the 3 most prevalent index crimes in the city were theft with 63, which was higher by 28 incidents compared to the same period last year. Physical injuries came in second with 30 recorded incidents, which increased by 20 incidents compared to the first 6 months of last year.

However, there were 18 rape cases that were recorded for the first semester of this year which is lower by 6 cases compared to the same period last year.

For the non-index crimes, Lonogan stated that there were some 287 cases that were recorded during the first 6 months this year which is 17 cases or 7 percent higher compared to the crimes that were committed during the same period last year. The committed non-index crimes include violation of special laws such as cases for violation of Republic Act (RA) 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, violence against women and children (VAWC) child abuse and other related crimes.

According to him, what is notable is the increase in cases involving drugs that means that the efforts of the police personnel in intensifying its campaign against illegal drugs paid off through the successful conduct of buy bust operations.

On the other hand, the police official revealed that 96 percent of all incidents reported during the first semester of this year were filed in court where 57 percent have already been solved.

He admitted that the past 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic had brought a lot of change in the city and its residents, including the personnel involved in law enforcement.

“Fighting an unseen enemy is considered one of the hardest battles that we, your Baguio City police, had ever faced. It is like pulling the trigger on an anonymous target,” Lonogan stressed.

The BCPO official asserted yet the spirit of unity amidst adversity is once again proven an effective strategy against any enemy that attacks humanity.

Lonogan stipulated that the first semester of this year was the aftermath of the pandemic as the economy, education, labor, health, relationship, and even the peace and order situation were greatly affected.

As people are trying to recuperate from the lockdown, quarantine and isolation experiences, he asserted that the BCPO continuously performs its mandate to serve and protect. – Dexter A. See