CRIME rates are down, Department of Public Safety Commissioner Robert A. Guerrero said during a media briefing on KKMP radio station Friday.
“All crime rates, or I should say all crimes have gone down,” he added.
DPS spokesman Adrian Pangelinan provided the following crime statistics:
• Disturbing the peace: In 2017 there were 1,029 such cases; in 2018 (986); 2019 (942); and 2020 (802).
• Child abuse and neglect: 2017 (45); 2018 (31); 2019 (45); 2020 (21).
• Assault with a dangerous weapon: 2017 (122); 2018 (111); 2019 (115); 2020 (55).
Covid-19 restrictions, many of which are still in effect, including a two-hour daily curfew, were first imposed by the CNMI government in March 2020. The tourism industry has also been in limbo since then.
“I just want to extend our appreciation to the public for all the support that they have given us — our job will not be possible without everybody’s support,” Guerrero said.
He said the CNMI Drug Enforcement Task Force has been reorganized. “I said it three years ago, and I will say it again — whoever is dealing, we will get you; we might not get to you now, but we will get you,” Guerrero added as he also noted that the police sub-stations in San Roque, Garapan, Kagman, San Vicente, Koblerville, and Chalan Kanoa are active, and that there has been an increase in police patrols in the villages and main roads.
Guerrero said the intention is to “saturate all villages and streets with as many police officers as possible to prevent potential crimes and/or criminals from setting up in those areas.”
He said DPS continues to fully implement the Community Oriented Policing Program, and 44 cadets will soon graduate and join the police force.
As for an update on Don Jr. Pangelinan Sanchez, Guerrero said the suspect was still at large as of Friday. “We’re still searching for him…we received a couple of leads…we consider him to be armed and dangerous.”
Sanchez has been wanted by police since April 29, 2021. He is accused of receiving stolen property, (failure to complete) firearms owner identification requirement, removal of a firearm serial number, possession of a controlled substance, and trafficking of a controlled substance.
As for the double-homicide case that happened in December 2019 in which two women were fatally shot at the Rice Cake Best Food Restaurant in San Antonio, Pangelinan said, “I believe the case is still under investigation,” adding that he could not provide additional details “at this time.”
In a previous statement, DPS said the Northern Marianas had 30 unresolved homicide cases since 1975.
Robert A. Guerrero
