LA TRINIDAD, Benguet (PIA) — The province of Benguet remains generally peaceful despite the reported increase of crime incidents for the first semester of the year.
Benguet Police Provincial Office Deputy Provincial Director for Operations PLt. Col. Baldwin Sokoken reported that Benguet recorded an increase of 159 crime incidents or 63.6% in the first semester compared to the same period last year.
From January 1 to June 15, 2022, the Benguet PPO recorded 409 crime incidents compared to the 250 cases recorded in 2021.
Sokoken explained that most of the cases involve vehicular traffic accidents or under the Public Safety Index.
For the index Crimes, there was an increase of nine incidents or 16.67% from 54 to 63 while there was a decrease of 5.81% for the non-index crimes.
Sokoken said the rise in crime incidence is due to the increased mobility of people this year compared to the past two years when the COVID-19 pandemic caused lockdowns and restrictions of movements.
Sokoken also presented the other significant accomplishments during the period that include the arrest of 205 wanted personalities including 59 Top Most Wanted Personalities, and collection of 65 firearms which were mostly surrendered while some were confiscated and recovered.
For the campaign against illegal gambling, there were 155 cockpit rings that were dismantled and three operations that resulted to the arrest of 16 individuals mostly playing cards while some were involved with cock fighting and slot machines.
On the campaign against communist terrorist groups, the Benguet PPO facilitated the surrender of six communist terrorist group members including five firearms. There were also three former rebels who surrendered in 2009 who were provided with livelihood kits thru the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.
For the campaign against illegal drugs, Benguet PPO conducted a total of 113 operations that resulted to the arrest of 50 individuals with one death. Police were able to confiscate a total of 21.52181 grams of Shabu, and destroyed 513.11704 kilogram of dried MJ stalks and leaves, 205,345 fully grown marijuana plants, and 38,368 pieces seedlings with an overall Standard Drug Price of Php 104,324,113.04.
Provincial Administrator Brian Camhit commended the Benguet police and its personnel for their efforts to ensure a peaceful and orderly province. **JDP/RMC –PIA CAR
