Media Scans on Violent Crimes Against Businesses, Smuggling, and Counterfeit Goods – December 2020
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The crime patterns observed in the month of December 2020 primarily involved violent crimes targeting businesspersons. From this month’s total figure, PSA Consultancy recorded one (1) attempted murder, one (1) murder with robbery, and four (4) murder incidents. No non-violent crimes were recorded for the month of December. Analysts note that from these incidents, all six appeared to be planned attacks involving armed assailants.
From the recorded murder with robbery and murder incidents, PSA Consultancy notes that these armed attacks occurred mostly during daytime (between 6:00 AM to 5:59 PM). Five of the attacks occurred as victims were in public areas. This likely indicates that the assailants have prior knowledge of the routine, schedule, and whereabouts of their targets. On the other hand, only one recorded violent incident against businesspersons occurred inside the victim’s residence. Analysts note that suspects for these incidents have not yet been arrested by authorities.
Only one robbery/murder incident was recorded this month. The incident involved motorcycle-riding robbers killing a realtor who was walking towards a courier store in Davao del Sur.
PSA has not seen any sign of a significant increase in crime since the start of the community quarantine last March. Scams in online shopping continue to be the most concerning criminal activity reported during community quarantine. There has also been an observed increase in business e-mail compromise or scams where perpetrators send e-mails from misleading addresses and ask for money transfer. Clients are urged to always confirm transaction details over the phone when there are changes in payment details.
