There is a continuing decline in peace and order indicators, specifically index crime, in the first two months of 2023, said Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. on Monday.
According to the report, the Philippines' crime rate dropped by 19.49 percent from January to February 25 compared to 2022, despite the attacks against local officials this month.
Azurin said that from 6,141 crimes in January to February 25 last year, it went down to 4,944 for the same period this year.
Azurin stated that the recent spate of attacks on local government executives is not alarming because these are isolated incidents.
Three local government officials have been attacked in less than a week: Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr. on February 17, Aparri, Cagayan Vice Mayor Rommel Alameda on February 19, and Maguindanao del Sur Mayor Ohto Montawal on February 22. Alameda was one of the three who died.
Azurin stated that as of February 26, the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) Alameda had gathered critical evidence and promising leads.
He added that investigators already have leads in these cases, particularly in terms of identifying the suspects.
Following these incidents, Azurin directed that all 17 police regional office heads conduct an assessment of security threats against local officials in their jurisdiction.
So far, no politician has spoken out about a possible threat to their lives, according to Azurin.
According to PNP regulations, elected officials can only have two security personnel from the PNP's Police Security and Protection Group.
However, Azurin stated that officials can be protected by local police even if they leave their areas of jurisdiction.
Azurin said he would attend the emergency meeting called by House Speaker Martin Romualdez, who summoned officials from the Department of Interior and Local Government and the Philippine National Police on Monday afternoon.
He also directed police field units to step up their efforts against organized crime and gun-for-hire organizations.
