From Presidential Spokesperson Ernie Abella – On the SWS First Quarter 2017 Survey regarding property crime

The First Quarter 2017 Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey saying 6.3% of families lost property to street robbery, burglars (break-ins), or carnappers within the past six months validates earlier reports showing an increase in crime after the Philippine National Police (PNP) suspended Oplan Tokhang and Project Double Barrel last January.

The temporary suspension of police anti-drug operations proved to be a window of opportunity for illegal drug violators to engage in burglary and car theft.

The 6.3% figure, however, is still 1.3% below the 2016 annual average of 7.6%.

The same survey showed a steady number, at 52%, of drug addicts in the neighborhood as perceived by respondents; meaning, there was no decrease in the number of drug addicts from last December’s figure, which can likewise be attributed to the temporary halt of police anti-drug operations.