BCPO reports decreased crime volume over the Holy Week

The Baguio City Police Office headed by City Director PCol. Francisco Bulwayan Jr. managed to keep crimes under control during the Holy Week despite the maximized tourism and economic activities in the city.

Bulwayan said records showed that the crime volume decreased by 27.77 percent or 10 incidents for the period of April 3-9, 2023 as compared to the crime figure on April 10-16, 2022.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong commended the BCPO and other government and private groups and individuals who served during the Holy Week exodus saying their services were instrumental to the peaceful and orderly observance of the Lenten season and tourism activities in the city.

Index and non-index crimes both went down.

For index crimes, the BCPO documented two incidents this year compared to four last year or a 50 percent decrease. Crimes recorded under this type were robbery and physical injury and murder.

For non-index crimes, seven crime incidents were recorded this year as against last year’s 12 or a drop of 41.67 percent. Non-index crimes committed during the period were alarm and scandal, arson of property for small value, discharge of firearm, grave coercion, malicious mischief and violations of anti-child abuse and anti-gambling laws.

As to traffic incidents, the recorded cases were 12 reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property, four reckless imprudence resulting in physical injuries and one case of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide.  Last year, there were 17 reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property and 3 reckless imprudence resulting in physical injuries.

Bulwayan said the factors that contributed to the decrease in the crimes were the increased number of personnel and volunteer groups deployed composed of 1,574 personnel and the strict implementation of enhanced management of police operations like checkpoints, Oplan Bakal Sita, police presence, foot patrol and mobile patrol. – Aileen P. Refuerzo/Mileyvonne Tiamzon