PNP: Christmas 2023 generally peaceful, crime rate dips by 66.34%
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 25) — The country saw a 66.34% drop in crime rate this Christmas compared to the holiday last year, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday.
PNP spokesperson Colonel Jean Fajardo said Christmas is “generally peaceful nationwide” with “no significant untoward incidents recorded.”
Focus crimes went down to 34 cases recorded on Dec. 24, a big drop compared to the 101 crimes tallied on the same date in 2022, the PNP added.
The eight focus crimes are murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, theft, robbery, car theft, and motorcycle theft.
As of 6 a.m. on Christmas Day, there were 19 incidents recorded since the previous day. These included illegal discharge of firearms, illegal possession of firearms, use and sale of firecrackers, and fire related to firecrackers.
READ: 2 dead in Marikina terminal fire.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) reported 16 more pyrotechnic-related injuries as of 6 a.m. on Christmas Day, bringing the total count at 28. The agency said 94% of the cases during the Christmas festivities took place at home or along the street.
At least 31% of the cases occurred in the capital region, and 44% of the fireworks and firecrackers used were legally used and bought.
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The DOH also said 10 out of the 28 (36%) are cases with patients declared to have “passive involvement” in the incidents.
