Crime rate in Pangasinan was reduced by 20 percent since the execution of anti-loitering local ordinances this June.(Photo by @PANGPPOPRO1) DAGUPAN CITY — The Police Provincial Office (PPO) has recorded a 20-percent decrease in Pangasinan’s crime volume since the implementation of anti-loitering local ordinances this month.

Chief Inspector Norman Florentino, PPO information officer, told newsmen during the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas forum held here on Thursday, that a total of 440 crimes was committed from June 16 to 27, compared to the 550 crimes from June 1 to 13.

The number of crimes against persons decreased to 19 from 41; 22 from 24 for crime against properties; and 220 from 340 for vehicular accidents, said Florentino.

He attributed the decrease to the strict implementation of local ordinances as part of the PPO’s anti-criminality operations, in support of the national police’s anti-loitering drive “Oplan RODY” (Rid the Streets of Drunkards and Youths).

A total of 890 persons have been invited by the police all over the province from June 13 to 28, as part of the enforcement of local ordinances against loitering.

President Rodrigo Duterte issued the order against bystanders or loiterers in the streets last June 13. Oplan RODY was then enforced nationwide starting June 18.

Of the total 890 persons, 465 are minors, who mostly violated the curfew ordinances, said Florentino.

He added that in the province, only 21 towns have no anti-loitering ordinances, although some of their barangays have existing local laws, which the police apply.

“We advise those who will be invited by the police due to violation of certain ordinances to remain calm. Rest assured that we will follow the guidelines set for this operation as we are also mandated to use sound judgment in doing so,” Florentino said.