THE PHILIPPINE National Police is keeping an eye on incidents of crime against women, particularly among students.

PNP data showed that 149 crimes of this nature were recorded nationwide from July 1 to August 31, 2022, majority of these are rape cases mostly from the National Capital Region (NCR).

Other prevalent cases were acts of lasciviousness and violation 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. When their parents tell them not to trust strangers, the children must take this seriously,” PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said.

He gave assurances that there is strong police presence in crime-prone areas.

“There is also strong coordination between the Education department and the PNP to work hand-in-hand in ensuring the safety of the children. Now that classes are returning to the in-person set-up, there is a greater challenge for the police officers to monitor closely the vicinity around learning institutions,” Azurin said.