Anti-drug war reduces crime rate in Leyte

PALO, Leyte, Nov. 22 (PNA) -- The police regional office here noted a significant decline in crimes in Leyte province with the implementation of Project Double Barrel, aimed at eradicating illegal drugs.

The number of crimes committed in Leyte dropped from 7,000 in July to October 2015 to 3,564 in the same period this year.

Out of the 3,564 crimes recorded during the first three months of Project Double Barrel implementation, about 61 percent comprises crimes against property and 39 percent, crimes against persons.

The rate of index crimes such as rape, physical injury and murder were also reduced from 13 last year to 6 this year.

Police Regional Director Chief Supt. Elmer Beltejar attributed the remarkable crime rate decline in Leyte to the government’s anti-drug war.

"With the Project Double Barrel, we’re able to arrest drug personalities and drug users and some voluntarily surrendered. By this time, the crime statistics declined, therefore we can say that most crimes that are being committed are drug-related," Beltejar said.

The project is the anti-illegal drugs campaign of the government that has two approaches - the upper barrel for drug syndicates and personalities and lower barrel approach or ”Oplan Tokhang,” which is still being implemented in the village level. (PNA)
 LAP/SQM/Aldwin John M. Cadayong (OJT