Azurin said 105,568 crime incidents were recorded in the second half of 2022, 6.37 percent lower than the 112,746 incidents recorded during the same period in 2021.
He said crime incidents went down by 7.35 percent in Luzon and 12.29 percent in Mindanao but increased by 5.65 percent in Visayas.
“For both six-month periods, theft, rape, and physical injury registered as top 3 most prevalent crimes,” said Azurin.
Azurin said crime solution efficiency remains at a high 81.78 percent in 2022, increasing slightly from the 80.51 percent record in 2021.
For this year, the top cop said the PNP will focus on cybercrimes, noting it is the fastest growing transnational organized crime that affects hundreds of victims not only in the Philippines but in other parts of the world.
He said cybercrime is one of the greatest threats to millions of users of cyberspace who have entrusted their personal data online.
“Our outlook and way forward in 2023 will largely involve further enhancement of anti-criminality capacity thru Smart Policing or Secured, Mobile, Artificial Intelligence-Driven, Real-time Technology, a strategic approach that incorporates more ‘science’ into police operations by leveraging innovative applications of analysis, technology, and evidence-based practices,” said Azurin. (SunStar Philippines)