More crime? Perception due to fake news, wider media coverage: NCRPO chief

MANILA - If you're seeing more reports about crime, it may be due to fake news or wider media coverage, an official claimed Friday, as he refuted claims of higher crime rates. 

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director, Chief Supt. Guillermo Eleazar said it was only "a perception" that criminality rose. 

"The perception that we have right now is the increasing crime because we can see that the media—thanks to the media—that they are disseminating to the people what is happening right now: not only that the crimes are being committed, but also the solution of the case," he told ANC's Headstart.

"Because of this war on drugs, everyday, the police is in the news because they are doing their job: arresting people and liberating barangays," he said.

Fake information on supposed robbery-holdups also created the impression that there was a spike in crimes committed in the capital, "but actually it's not," said Eleazar.

"You can see it for yourself in the streets of Metro Manila for the past years," he said.

Eleazar said the incidence of the index crimes or their focus crimes from January to May this year was 21 percent lower compared to the same period last year.

He added, crimes were also 49 percent less under the Duterte administration since July 2016 until May 2018 compared to July 2014 to May 2016 because of the campaign against illegal drugs.

In the command conference in Malacañang last week, he said the chief executive ordered cops to continue its "intensified campaign" against narcotics.

"Andun pa rin yung problema (The problem remains). We really have to do something about this. While it is true that all of the sectors of the community is into it, still a lot has to be done," he said.

NO SURPRISE INSPECTIONS YET

Eleazar also clarified that tapping cops to inspect bags and lockers of students to stop the spread of illegal drugs in schools was only a suggestion, not an order.

"While it’s true that we have a common objective, the approaches can be different. They will talk this over. It’s just a suggestion, it depends on them whether they will implement this or not," he said.

"It’s just an idea for them to do it, but now that it’s being talked about, they’re looking for other interventions or approaches that can be made without sacrificing the rights of the children," he added.