Crime statistics far from reality – Binay

MANILA, Philippines - Vice President Jejomar Binay has scored the Philippine National Police (PNP) on the issue of peace and order, saying statistics on the decline of crimes are “far from reality.”

In a radio interview on Friday, Binay said statistics showing the decline in the volume of crimes as reported by the police are based only on reported incidents.

He said there are cases, particularly petty crimes, that are not reported to authorities.

The Vice President was asked to comment on the issue of peace and order in the country in light of the attempted slay of Iligan City Rep. Vicente Belmonte Jr. in Misamis Oriental on Thursday.

Belmonte survived the ambush, but three of his security escorts were killed.

“Let’s admit it, we have a problem with peace and order,” said Binay.

He noted the need to address the issue of mismatch on the number of reported crimes and the actual incidents that happen on the ground.

“There’s a principle of broken glass. If you do not repair it, it will become accepted, and you will start to think that it’s alright,” he added.

Earlier, Binay also condemned the bombing of a Rural Transit Mindanao bus in Bukidnon on Tuesday.