Crime in the Philippines

Crime is present in various forms in the Philippines, and remains a serious issue throughout the country. Illegal drug trade, human trafficking, murder, corruption and domestic violence remain significant concerns. The Philippines has a high rate of murder cases, which is the highest in Southeast Asia as of 2014. Most major cities are plagued with high prevalence of crimes.

A boat belonging to the Philippine National Police at the Iloilo River in Iloilo City

Crime by type

Murder

In 2014, the Philippines had a murder rate of 9.84 per 100,000 people, with a number of 9,784 recorded cases. The country also has the highest rate of murder cases in Southeast Asia in 2013, with a rate of 8.8, followed by Thailand.[1] The murder rate in the Philippines reached its peak in 2002 and 2010, with rates of 8.1 (6,553 cases) and 9.5 (8,894 cases). [2]

Organized crime

Organized crime in the Philippines can be linked to certain families or barkadas (groups) who perpetrate crimes ranging from extortion, sale of illegal narcotics and loan sharking to robbery, kidnapping, and murder-for-hire.[3]

Illegal drug trade
Main article: Illegal drug trade in the Philippines

Illegal drug trade is a major concern. Meth ("shabu") and marijuana ("weeds" or "damo"), are the most common drugs accounting most drug-related arrests. Most of the illegal drug trade involved members of large Chinese triad groups operating in the Philippines, owing to its location on drug smuggling routes.

Petty crime

Petty crime, which includes pick-pocketing, is a problem in the Philippines. It takes place usually in locations with many people, ranging from shopping hubs to churches. Traveling alone to withdraw cash after dark is a risk, especially for foreigners.[4]

Rape
Main article: Rape in the Philippines

Domestic violence
Main article: Violence against women in the Philippines

Human trafficking
Main article: Human trafficking in the Philippines
See also: Sex trafficking in the Philippines

Human trafficking and the prostitution of children is a significant issue in the Philippines, often controlled by organized crime syndicates.[5] Human trafficking in the country is a crime against humanity.[6][7][8][9][10]

In an effort to deal with the problem, the Philippines passed Republic Act (R.A.) 9208, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, a penal law against human trafficking, sex tourism, sex slavery and child prostitution.[11] Nevertheless, enforcement is reported to be inconsistent.[12]

Prostitution
Main article: Prostitution in the Philippines

Prostitution in the Philippines is illegal. It is a serious crime with penalties ranging up to life imprisonment for those involved in trafficking. It is covered by the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.[11] prostitution is still sometimes illegally available through brothels (also known as casa), bars, karaoke bars, massage parlors, street walkers and escort services.[13] As of 2009, one source estimates that there are 800,000 women working as prostitutes in the Philippines, with some of them believed to be underage.[13] While victims are largely female, and according to the current Revised Penal Code, there are in fact a small minority of them who are male.[14]

Corruption and police misconduct
Main article: Corruption in the Philippines

Corruption is a major problem in the Philippines. In 2013, during the country's elections, some 504 political candidates were accused mostly of corruption and some of violent crimes.[15]

Statistics

Cities with the highest crime volume

The table below shows the three cities with the highest crime volume as of 2018.[16]

Rank City Region Population Total no. of crimes (2018)
1 Quezon City National Capital Region 2,936,116 41,152
2 City of Manila National Capital Region 1,780,148 21,386
3 Cebu City Central Visayas 922,611 12,130

Cities with the least crime incidents

Cities with the least crime incident as of 2018.[17]

Rank City Region Population Total no. of crimes (2018)
1 Ormoc City Eastern Visayas 215,031 134
2 Cotabato City SOCCSKSARGEN 299,438 220
3 Puerto Princesa City MIMAROPA 255,116 227

Cities with the highest crime solution efficiency

Cities with the highest crime solution efficiency as of 2018.[17]

Rank City Crime solution efficiency
1 Las Piñas City 95.68
2 Taguig City 94.75
3 Pasig City 93.83
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See also

References
  • Global Homicide Book 2014 (PDF). United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Retrieved April 12, 2018.
  1. UNODC 2014, p. 24.
  2. UNODC 2014, p. 128.
  3. Kowalzki, Eugene (July 12, 2010). "Filipino Gangs in the Philippines". Zimbio. Archived from the original on July 14, 2010.
  4. "Crime in the Philippines". World Nomads. June 9, 2010. Retrieved June 12, 2013.
  5. "'Chairman' reveals seedy world of trafficking". BBC News. April 1, 2007. Retrieved November 25, 2007.
  6. "What is Human Trafficking?". Retrieved March 15, 2015.
  7. Child Trafficking
  8. "Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (Articles 1 to 33)- Prevent Genocide International". Retrieved March 15, 2015.
  9. Hansen, Scott. "Japan's Fight against Modern-Day Slavery (Part I)". Archived from the original on March 8, 2013. Retrieved June 11, 2013.
  10. "Cebu a transit point for child trafficking – INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos". Archived from the original on March 27, 2012. Retrieved March 15, 2015.
  11. RONALD ECHALAS DIAZ, Office Manager. "REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9208 – AN ACT TO INSTITUTE POLICIES TO ELIMINATE TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS ESPECIALLY WOMEN AND CHILDREN, ESTABLISHING THE NECESSARY INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISMS FOR THE PROTECTION AND SUPPORT OF TRAFFICKED PERSONS, PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR ITS VIOLATIONS, AND FOR OTHER". Retrieved March 15, 2015.
  12. "Revealed: In Cities and Towns All Over the Philippines, Irishmen Pay to Have Sex with Children". The Sunday Tribune. Tribune Newspapers PLC. September 24, 2006. Archived from the original on May 21, 2007.
  13. "Number of prostitutes in the Philippines". Havoscope. Retrieved June 12, 2013.
  14. "Anti-Prostitution Bill". Philippine Commission on Women. Archived from the original on July 7, 2013. Retrieved June 12, 2013.
  15. "Sandiganbayan files: 256 poll winners have graft, crime cases; 17 convicted". The Philippines Centre of Investigative Journalism. June 10, 2013. Archived from the original on June 15, 2013. Retrieved June 12, 2013.
  16. Tupas, Emmanuel (February 26, 2019). "PNP: Total crime volume down in 2018". Retrieved September 20, 2019.
  17. Macapagal, Maan (May 26, 2018). "PNP: Quezon City has highest crime volume, least number of cases solved". Retrieved September 20, 2019.
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