“Crime Rate Declines in the Philippines, but Shocking Incidents Still Occur: Bus Shooting in Nueva Ecija, Alleged Cult in Surigao del Norte, Bomb Attack at Mindanao State University, Hazing Deaths of Students”

Accident – death – Obituary News : The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced that the country’s crime rate has seen a significant decrease from January to October 2023, with an 8% drop compared to the same period in 2022. The PNP also reported an 8.24% decrease in index crimes, which include crimes against persons, and an 8.18% drop in focus crimes, such as murder, rape, and robbery.

Despite the overall decrease in crime rates, there have been several shocking incidents that have captured public attention due to the audacity of the criminals and the suffering of the victims.

One such incident involved the fatal shooting of a couple inside a bus in Nueva Ecija. A video of the incident went viral on social media, showing two gunmen shooting the victims at close range. One of the gunmen, Allan Delos Santos, was later arrested and provided crucial information about his involvement in the crime. He also implicated the son of one of the victims as the mastermind behind the shooting. Charges of murder were filed against Delos Santos and four others.

Another shocking case involved an alleged cult in Surigao del Norte called Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc. Senator Risa Hontiveros revealed in a privilege speech that over 1,000 children were being sexually abused, forced into labor, and forced into marriages within the cult. The organization’s leader, Jey Rence Quilario, claimed to be the messiah “Santo Niño” in human form. Quilario and other officials of the group were accused of various crimes, including child abuse and trafficking. Quilario and 12 others were arrested for alleged human trafficking, and multiple charges have been filed against the group.

A bomb attack at Mindanao State University in Marawi City resulted in the deaths of four people and injuries to 39 others. Two alleged members of Dawlah Islamiyah – Maute Group were named as suspects in the explosion. The Armed Forces of the Philippines admitted a failure in intelligence gathering regarding the attack. Several individuals, including Jaffar Gamo Sultan, were arrested in connection with the bombing.

In another tragic incident, a chemical engineering student at Adamson University, John Matthew Salilig, died after an alleged hazing ritual. Salilig was a member of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity and received numerous paddles during the initiation. His cause of death was determined to be severe blunt force injuries. Hazing complaints were filed against 11 individuals and a certain “McGregor.”

Similarly, a criminology student at the Philippine College of Criminology, Ahldryn Bravante, died after a hazing ceremony in Quezon City. Four suspects from the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity were identified, and it was revealed that Bravante had been subjected to around 60 paddle hits.

Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo was among the victims of a shooting incident in Pamplona, where armed men opened fire while the official was distributing aid. Six suspects were identified, and former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. was accused of masterminding the killing. Charges were filed against the suspects.

Lastly, Catherine Camilon, a beauty contestant representing Tuy, Batangas, went missing under mysterious circumstances. Authorities are still investigating her disappearance.

While the overall crime rate in the Philippines has seen a decline, these shocking incidents serve as reminders that there are still serious crimes being committed, and efforts must be made to ensure the safety and security of the public. The PNP continues to work towards reducing crime rates and bringing those responsible for these heinous acts to justice..