by
Teodulo S. Natividad, PhD
ABSTRACT
The main purpose of the study was to determine the prevalent crimes committed in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) within a three-year period (CY 2003 – 2005). It also determined the crime solution efficiency index within the said period. The specific problems of the study were answered by using the data derived from the Crime Statistics Record of the PNP-RO-CAR. In the overall analysis, physical injuries, theft and robbery were the most prevalent crimes in CAR within the three-year period. Comparing the three years with respect to total crime volume, the highest number of crimes were committed in 2004, with 1,985 crimes; followed by 2003, 1,634; and 2005, 1,509 crimes. Further, based on total crime volume, Baguio City topped the list among the provinces in CAR, with a total crime volume of 2,567 (50.05%). As to the crime solution efficiency index, 4,512 crime cases out of 5,128 were solved within the three-year period. This yields an overall crime solution efficiency index of 87.99%. In light of the findings, the following conclusions were drawn: (1) Crime patterns relate to socio-economic problems; (2) Biosocial needs, including crime commission, outnumbered crimes related to violation of special laws/ordinances in the CAR provinces; (3) Baguio City typifies a highly urbanized City beset with problems of crimes. Mt. Province, with the least number of crimes, typifies a peaceful, rural community which is less affected by socio-economic problems; and (4) Baguio City, which registered the highest percentage of solved crime cases, has a very satisfactory level of crime solution efficiency. This is indicative of the effective and efficient operation of the Baguio City Police Office. Abra and Apayao, which registered the lowest percentage of crime cases solved in CAR, necessitates a need to further improve police operations.
