Rey Anthony Chiu
TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, September 21, 2012 (PIA)—Crimes in Bohol increased by 17 more from July 12 to August 12, according to police reports at the recent Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting held at the Crabhouse, September 18.
Bohol police chief Senior Superintendent Constantino Barot however added that total crime volume this year is still lower by 31.7% compared to last year when total crimes here in the island province registered a high 274 over this year’s 187.
At 187 crimes recorded until August 12 from July 12, the record breaks the trending decrease in crimes here recorded since the continued downslide sustained its momentum from March 12, 2012 until last month.
Police noted Bohol crimes peaking at the period of February 12 to March 12 when 288 crimes got into police blotters.
The monthly tally of crimes then dropped from 288 to 209 (April), 209 (May), 193 (June) and 170 (July) before picking up again at 187 this month.
This month’s 187 crimes comprise of 75 non-index and 122 index crimes, according to PSSupt Barot in his PPOC report.
Earlier, Camp Dagohoy authorities explained that a high crime volume can also be telling of how the local police are getting pro-active against criminality.
Central Visayas Police Assistant Regional Director for Operations Louie Oppus explained that even with a high crime volume recorded in a locality, if the high volume is brought about by a high non-index crimes, it means that the police are getting more proactive by initiating operations on their own, against crimes punishable by special laws.
In Bohol, outgoing police director Barot credits the effective implementation of the Police Integrated Patrol System (PIPS), which helped a grossly undermanned and ill-equipped police force getting over crimes and making criminals thinking twice before committing their malignant plans.
The victory however is not sweeping as Camp Dagohoy reports theft and robbery still soars high over police concerns.
