PNP records 149 crimes vs female students since July

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 3) — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has reminded students to always be aware of their surroundings to avoid becoming victims of crimes.

The caution comes after the PNP recorded a total of 149 crimes against female students nationwide from July 1 to Aug. 31.

Majority of these cases involve rape, most of which occurred in Metro Manila, the police organization said.

Other commonly reported cases include acts of lasciviousness and violations of the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004.

“Our intention is not to create panic but we caution the students to always be vigilant around their environment," PNP Chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin said in a statement on Friday.

"When their parents tell them not to trust strangers, the children must take this seriously,” he also said.

Azurin added that the PNP is closely coordinating with the Department of Education to ensure the safety of the students, especially with the resumption of face-to-face classes.

The PNP chief further said police are consistently deployed in crime-prone areas.

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