Republic of the Philippines

Laguna State Polytechnic University

San Pablo City Campus

COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE EDUCATION

Criminological
Research
“The Corona Virus Disease 2019 (Covid’19) and its
Effect to the Crime Rate in the Municipality of
Dolores, Quezon: A Comparative Analysis”

Proponent: Rodelo Alcos Austria Jr.

BS - Criminology
4-C1
 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic University
San Pablo City Campus

College of Criminal Justice Education

APPROVAL SHEET
This research entitled “The Corona Virus Disease 2019

(Covid’19) and its Effect to Crime Rate in the Municipality

of Dolores, Quezon: A Comparative Analysis” prepared and

submitted by Rodelo A. Austria Jr., in partial fulfillment

for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Criminology is

hereby recommended for approval and acceptance.

Richie Rosas S. Velaquez

adviser

Approved and Accepted by the Committee on Oral

Examination with a grade of _____.

Jimmy Catalino James Dalis

member member

Accepted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for

the degree of Bachelor of Science in Criminology.

______________ Marlon M. Wankey R.Crim. , Ph.D.

Date Dean

CECILIA Q. VELASCO, Ed.D.

Chairperson, Research & Development Services

Contribution No. BsCm

 ACKNOWLEDGMENT

This research study would not be completed without the

help of special people. The researcher sincerely expressed

his deepest gratitude to the following who served as a

channel of blessings and instruments in pursuing this study.

First of all, the researcher would like to thank God

whose guidance and protection meant everything. The

researcher wished to express his heartfelt gratitude to all

people who have supported his and had their contributions in

making this thesis possible.

To his dear thesis adviser, Ms. Richie Rosas S.

Velasquez, MSCJ, thanks for giving support comments and

suggestions, and untiring efforts in checking the manuscript

and also for guiding him to fulfill this study.

To the dean of the College of Criminal Justice

Education, Dr. Marlon M. Wankey for his hardwork, guidance,

assistance to finish the study and patiently checking the

manuscript to be successful.

To Mr. James Dalis, the researcher’s subject specialist

for his vital encouragement, constant reminders and much

needed motivation throughout this study.

For all the panelists who were not mentioned by the

researcher, let this page be a token of his deepest

gratitude for the help they have extended to him. Indeed,

they were important in the completion of this study.

To the participants of researcher for giving him their

precious time to answers the interview from the bottom of

their heart.

Of course to his dear family, especially to his live-

in-partner and son for giving their full support,

inspiration, patience, financial support and understanding

that which motivated him to finish his study.

To all those names that were mentioned, let this page

be the token of his deepest gratitude, Thank you very much.

R.A.A.Jr.
 DEDICATION

This thesis

Work is dedicated to

My family, who have always loved

Me unconditionally and whose good examples

Have taught me to work hard for the thing that I

Aspire to achieve. Especially to my live-in-partner and son

For their constant inspiration and support to pursue

This study. To professors who guided me with

This thesis study. And lastly, to

Almighty God who guided me

And gave me confidence

To finish this

Research

- bheloy
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

 Chapter 1

 The Problem

 Background of the Study ---------------- 4

 Objectives of the Study --------------- 21

 Significance of the Study ------------- 21

 Theoretical Framework ----------------- 22

 Conceptual Framework ------------------ 26

 Research Paradigm --------------------- 27

 Statement of the Problem ------------- 29

 Definition of Terms ------------------- 30

 Chapter 2

 Design and Methodology

 Research Design and Methodology ------- 31

 Population and Locale of the Study ---- 33

 Data Gathering Tool ------------------- 33

 Data Gathering Procedure -------------- 34

 Treatment of Data --------------------- 34

 References ---------------------------- 35
 List of Tables

Table 1. Most committed crime in terms of index crime

in Dolores, Quezon during 2019 and 2020

Table 2. The most committed crime in terms of non-

index crime in Dolores, Quezon during 2019

and 2020.

List of Figures

Figure 1. Paradigm of the study

Figure 2. The total reported crimes in terms of index

and non-index crime in Dolores, Quezon during

2019 and during 2020.

Figure 3. The total reported crimes in terms of index

crime in Dolores, Quezon during 2019 and

during 2020.

Figure 4. The total reported crimes in terms of non-

index crime in Dolores, Quezon during 2019

and during 2020.

 Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM

Background of the Study

Crime is an action or omission that constitutes an

offense that may be prosecuted by the state and is

punishable by law (Oxford University Press, 2021). The

causes of crime are complex. Poverty, parental neglect, low

self-esteem, alcohol and drug abuse can be connected to

why people break the law. Some are at greater risk of

becoming offenders because of the circumstances into which

they are born (BBC, 2021). These kinds of costs can include

pain and suffering, and a lower quality of life. There are

also the traumatic impacts on friends and the disruption of

family. Behavior can be forever changed and shaped by

crime, whether it is weighing the risks of going to certain

places or even the fear of making new friends

(Encyclopedia.com, 2019).

According to the study of Economic and Social Effects

of Crime, 2020 entitled “Crime and Punishment in America”,

crime can cause property values to decline in certain areas

of a town and even increase the cost of housing in other

areas not suffering from crime. Studies have shown certain

neighborhoods with high crime rates will maintain these

rates unless there is a community-wide effort to stop it.

In the early 1990s studies concluded that certain

neighborhoods become crime ridden as the number of

abandoned buildings and cars increase, if there are unkempt

vacant lots, and broken windows. Such areas tend to attract

criminal activity. Crime can grow from minor offenses to

major ones.

Crime rate is the number of crimes that are committed

during a period of time in a particular place. It allows

one to compare crime across different geographical areas

and at various facilities. A crime rate is calculated by

dividing the number of reported crimes by the total

population. The result is then multiplied by 100,000. For

example, in 2014 there were 48,650 robberies in California

and the population was 38,499,378. This equals a

robbery crime rate of 126.4 per 100,000 (Cambridge

Dictionary, 2021).

Measuring crime is also needed for risk assessment of

different social groups, including their potential for

becoming offenders or victims. Identifying causes requires

that differences in crime rates can be related to

differences in people and their situations. Counting crime

is also used to evaluate and justify programs and policies

that try to address criminal activity such as

rehabilitation, incapacitation, and deterrence (Sage

Publication, 2018).

According to World Population Review, while there is no

exact reason why crimes are committed, there are several

factors attributed to high crime rates. High crime rates are

seen in countries or areas with high poverty levels and low

job availability. Strict police enforcement and severe

sentences tend to reduce crime rates. There is a strong

correlation between age and crime, with most crimes,

especially violent crimes, being committed by those ages 20-

30 years old (Crime Index for Country, 2020).

Welsh and Farrington examined five evaluations of

defensible space that included street barriers or street

closures - four were in the USA and one was in the UK. These

initiatives were focused on general crime reduction in

the USA (for example to prevent offenders from driving away

from a robbery) and in the UK to prevent kerb-crawling. They

concluded, based on the evaluations, that there is fairly

strong and consistent evidence that street barriers or

street closures are effective in preventing crime in inner-

city neighborhoods. However, there are differing opinions on

how this mechanism works. Cornish and Clarke argue that the

physical barrier acts to deflect offenders away from crime

targets, whilst others suggest that the improvement is due

to increased surveillance due to people feeling safer and

being out and about (Scottish Government, 2014)

Some of these strategies, like drug courts and public

surveillance cameras, are in widespread usage and have

already helped reduce crime. However, empirical evidence

shows that they all effectively lower crime and reduce the

costs associated with it (Rao and La Vigne, 2013)

In the emergency phase immediately following the onset

of the COVID19 pandemic, decreases were observed in the

incidence of robbery, theft and burglary reported to and

recorded by the authorities. For example, the decrease in

reported robbery was more than 50 per cent in the majority

of countries. Compared with the trends observed in the

number of homicide victims, changes in recorded property

crimes were more homogenous and more marked. However, those

changes are more difficult to interpret because they reflect

changes in the crime itself as well as in reporting capacity

and the accessibility of criminal justice institutions,

which have most likely been affected by the pandemic. Survey

data available from one country, covering the duration of

the initial lockdown; confirm an actual decline in property

crime (Property Crime Brief, 2020).

 In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, state-level

governments across the United States issued mandatory stay-

at-home orders around the end of March 2020. Though intended

to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the lockdowns have

had sweeping impacts on life in ways which were not

originally planned. This study’s purpose is to investigate

the extent to which governmental responses to COVID-19 have

impacted crime rates in the U.S. Compared to the pre-

pandemic year of 2019, crime – as measured by calls for

service to law enforcement – has decreased markedly.

However, there are multiple indications that the crime drop

is being driven by decreases in minor offenses which are

typically committed in peer groups (Boman IV and Gallupe,

2020). 

Nearly all anecdotal evidence suggests that crime in

the U.S. has indeed changed, and there are multiple

indications that crime has decreased since the COVID-19

lockdowns began (Boman IV and Gallupe, 2020).

According to a report by the Marshall Project some

American cities are experiencing a remarkable reduction of

crime. In San Francisco, for example, the overall reduction

equals 42%, with a decrease of robberies of 60% since the

beginning of the lockdown. In Los Angeles, thefts have

dropped by 15%, robberies by 22%. Since these data refer to

March (before the lockdown got stricter), this decrease is

expected to be even more significant from now on (Acta

Biomed, 2020)

Considering the varied problems confronting Philippine

society today, we must realize that much is left to be done.

The Government has continuously strived and is earnestly

exerting efforts to implement a unified approach involving

all sectors and spheres of Philippine society to effectively

deter crime. A holistic approach with particular emphasis on

an active and empowered citizenry where society gives

importance to its capacity to create justice and human

growth, should be carried out vigorously to curb

criminality. To emphasize, crime prevention and urban safety

then becomes one of the activities devoted to increasing the

relevance of the community as a socio-cultural organization

making each and every citizen both the “server” and

“served.” Society must face the challenge and be willing to

do its part as a stakeholder of a crime-free society

(Sanidad-Leones, 2010)

The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 has impacted the world

in ways not seen in generations. Initial evidence suggests

one of the effects is crime rates, which appear to have

fallen drastically in many communities around the world. We

argue that the principal reason for the change is the

government ordered stay-at-home orders, which impacted the

routine activities of entire populations (Crim, 2020).

New York City initially saw a steady decrease in crime

at the onset of the pandemic — but year – to - date numbers

for murder, shooting incidents, and burglary have spiked.

As of October 18, overall crime complaints are down 1.13%

year over year. But not all crimes are on the decline.

Burglaries and murder have both seen big spikes in 2020.

Burglaries are up 42%, representing 3,601 more incidents

reported year to date in 2020 compared to 2019. The city

has also seen a 32% jump in murders, equaling 89 more

victims this year than last. As of the end of April, the

murder rate had only increased by 4% year over year. The

number of shooting victims has increased by nearly 99%,

with 753 more victims year to date (as of October 18) than

during the same period last year. Shooting incidents have

also climbed at a rate of 92% year over year—NYPD reports

593 more incidents so far in 2020, compared to 2019. The

number of rapes reported to NYPD has seen a significant

decline. As of October 18, there were 344 fewer rapes

reported year to date, versus the same time period last

year. That’s a 23% drop year over year (Edwards, 2020).

 In these major news sources, the extent to which crime

has decreased since COVID-19 lockdowns began varies

dramatically. For example, The Washington Post reported

decreases in calls for service in 29 of 30 jurisdictions

including a 25% decline in Chicago and 20% in Washington

and Baltimore between March 16 and April 22, 2020 compared

to the same period in 2019. Further, United States of

America Today reported that weekly calls for service

dropped “at least” 12% between February 2 and March 28,

2020 across 30 police agencies (Boman and Gallupe, 2020).

Likewise, on the study of Rebecca Edwards, 2020,

entitled “Crime and Coronavirus, 2020”, it’s not all bad

news, though. There are plenty of other crimes that have

dropped dramatically amid stay at home orders, physical

distancing, and other pandemic conditions. Counts of rape

have dropped, according to FBI data—falling almost 18% year

over year. Robberies have also been on the decline,

dropping 7% for the first half of 2020. Overall, property

crimes have been on a downward trajectory this year. The

FBI shows burglaries down across the board by nearly 8%

year over year, although cities like Seattle and San

Francisco have seen drastic increases.

Preliminary FBI data for the first six months of 2020

shows murder and non-negligent homicide as up nearly 15%

compared to the same time period last year. A report by the

Council on Criminal Justice (CCJ) paints an even direr

picture—showing a 53% jump in homicides in 27 major US

cities this summer, compared to the last. FBI data also

shows a 4.6% jump in aggravated assaults between January

and June 2020, versus the same period in 2019 (Edwards,

2020).

Further, one of the earliest studies with perhaps the

most striking results was by Shayegh and Malpede (2020),

which identified an overall drop in crime in San Francisco

of 43% and Oakland of about 50% following city issuance of

some of the most restrictive and early stay-at-home orders

in the United States, beginning March 16th 2020 and the two

weeks after.

In Japan, the National Police Agency data show the

crime rate in 2020 hit the lowest level since World War II

with a sharp decline in street crime as people stayed home

during the coronavirus pandemic. Overall, crime dropped by

nearly 18% from the 2019 figure, the largest drop ever

(Voice of America, 2021).

While the COVID-19 pandemic is first and foremost a

global public health crisis, it has also proven to have a

significant and potentially long-lasting impact on the

serious and organized crime and terrorism landscape in

Europe as well as the ability of Member State law

enforcement authorities to counter security threats

(EUROPOL, 2020).

In Spain, approximately 8,000 people have been arrested

by the Spanish Law Enforcements agencies during the lockdown

to fight the spread of coronavirus as of March 23, 2020. The

National Police was the security force that had the highest

number of arrests, with a total of 3,807 (Forte, 2020).

In Lebanon, figures from the Lebanese Internal Security

Forces showed that such crimes had risen significantly in

recent months. Authorities received 47 complaints during

July and 96 in August. The number of people arrested for

these crimes this year has reached 133 (Arab News, 2021).

In Riyadh, “There has also been an increase in cyber

security crimes such as hacking into individuals’ smart

devices, obtaining their banking information, and exploiting

the pandemic period to carry out fake financial donation

campaigns for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic by

announcing on social networks that they will collect

donations for international aid organizations or provide aid

to poor countries” (Hassan, 2020).

 In Nepal, believe it or not, over 5,000 crimes

including 1,482 cases of suicide were registered in the 83

days of lockdown, from March 24 to June 14.

In lockdown, people had to stay indoors unless in emergency,

and committing crime never falls in the category of

emergency. But it was not so in Nepal. At least the

criminals continued their businesses; the police records

testified this.

Also lockdown did not prevent the mentally depressed persons

from committing suicide. Cases of sexual abuse and rape

continued to make news headlines as well.

The government relaxed the lockdown allowing the government

and private offices and businesses to operate from June 15

although private vehicles started plying from June 7

(Khatri, 2020).

In Germany, a country-wide survey by the German Press

Agency (DPA) has shown that the initial figures demonstrate

a drop in burglaries of apartments and houses during the

coronavirus pandemic in an almost nationwide trend. In North

Rhine-Westphalia for example, the number of burglaries in

March and April dropped significantly compared to the same

months in the previous year. The number of burglaries also

fell in Bavaria – as did crime overall (The Local, 2020).

 SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on

Tuesday (Feb 2) said Singapore's overall crime rate rose

last year due to a rise in scam cases, although physical

crimes such as housebreaking fell. In an overview of

Singapore's safety and security situation in 2020, MHA said

online scams saw a "significant increase". It attributed the

increase to more Singaporeans staying home because of the

COVID-19 situation and carrying out more activities and

transactions online. E-commerce scams continued to rank

first among the scam types in Singapore, with a "significant

number" of cases reported during the "circuit breaker"

period (Channel News Asia, 2021).

In the Philippines, crime is one of the concerns

facing every local, especially those living in the

country's larger urban cities. Maintaining security and

order is challenging for the police because of increasing

crime rates since 2009. The Philippines’ score for the

order and security index resulted in one of the lowest

rankings among countries in the Asia Pacific region.

Furthermore, a recent finding put the country’s intentional

homicide rates  highest in all of Asia (Sanchez, 2020).

According to the Overseas Security Advisory Council,

(2020), crime continues to remain a significant concern in

urban areas of the Philippines. According to the Philippine

National Police (PNP) Directorate for Investigation and

Detective Management, theft, physical assault, and robbery

were among the most common crimes reported to local

authorities in 2019. Other common crimes included

pickpocketing, confidence schemes, and credit card fraud.

Carjacking, robberies, and violent assaults also occurred

throughout the country.

In a recent finding, the most prevalent crimes in the

Philippines were theft and physical injury. Crime against

property accounted for more than 30 percent of the

country’s entire crime list. Physical injury, on the other

hand, occupied around 28 percent. Compared to 2017’s

findings, crimes of this variety declined, recording a

fourfold drop (Sanchez, 2020).

As of 2020, the country’s order and security index

score in terms of the absence of crime was almost 0.7,

where a result of one meant it was effectively controlled.

In the past year, the PNP implement its crime solution

initiatives, which significantly helped the nation in its

crime solution efficiency. Frequent joint talks about peace

and security between the agencies of Philippine National

Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines could help in

making a safer country (Sanchez, 2020).

 On the other hand, latest data from the PNP showed a

46-percent drop in crimes in the country during the 226-day

community quarantine period (March 17 to October 28, 2020)

with 21,729 crimes, compared to 39,920 during the same

period before the community quarantine (Caliwan, 2020).

According to the Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana,

the government's intensified efforts to uphold the rule of

law resulted in a 51-percent decline in the country's crime

rate since the start of community quarantine measures in

the country. Citing data from the Philippine National

Police (PNP), Lorenzana said only 10,145 crimes were

reported nationwide from March 17 to July 20, compared to

the 20,575 crimes reported from Nov. 17, 2019 to March 16,

2020 (Caliwan, 2020).

Likewise, Lieutenant General Guillermo Eleazar,

commander of JTF COVID Shield, said the nationwide average

number of “focus crimes” was significantly reduced in the

150-days of the lockdown compared to the same period before

the quarantine took effect. The country’s crime rate has

gone down by 49 percent during the five-month period that

the community quarantine was imposed in the country by

President Duterte. Further, from 25,200 criminal activities

from October 19 to March 16, the number of crimes was

reduced to 12,847 from March 17 to August 13 (Sadonggong,

2020).

Meanwhile, Luzon has a 49 percent crime reduction from

13,410 to 6,778; while Mindanao has a 44-percent crime

reduction from 5,313 to 2,954. Visayas registered the

highest reduction rate at 52 percent or from 6,447 crimes

to 3,115 crimes (Sadongdong, 2020).

Moreover, the crime rate in Luzon declined by 52

percent, from 10,870 from Nov. 12, 2019 to March 16, 2020

to 5,267 from March 17 to July 20, while the Visayas

registered a 53-percent decrease from 5,236 to 2,519, and

Mindanao saw a 46-percent drop, from 4,379 to 2,359 over

the same period (Caliwan, 2020).

In BAGUIO CITY — the summer capital’s crime volume

dropped by 74 percent in March during the first weeks of

the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine due to the

coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation. Twenty five

crimes were reported and recorded from March 17-31,

compared to the 95 offenses recorded for the same period in

2019, said Baguio City police chief Col. Allen Rae Co.

(Cabreza, 2020).

MANILA, Philippines — The nine-month community

quarantine prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic is being

credited with a decline in crime volume but some experts

expressed fear that the lockdown had aggravated abuses

largely caused by restrictions on movement and scant

resources. Data from the Philippine National Police (PNP)

showed that the volume of what the PNP said was eight focus

crimes nationwide had dropped by 45 percent during the 275

days of COVID-19 lockdown enforcement. These included

murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft,

motorcycle theft and car theft (Marquez, 2020).

The province of Cebu is more peaceful now than ever

before, due to the quarantine and the vigilance in the

barangay level, down to sub-villages called ‘sitios’ and

‘puroks’. An enormous drop of 70% in the crime rate is a

feat indeed (Baluyos, 2020).

According to Mayor Marcy, based on reports in the past

few days and months, Marikina's crime rate has gone down to

almost zero; with most of the crimes committed are only

violations of the minimum public health standards (Guzman,

2020).

During the event of Corona Virus, homicide underwent a

short-term decline of 25 per cent or more in some countries.

In others, there was no visible change or the variability in

the number of homicide victims remained within its pre-

pandemic range (Property Crime Brief, 2020).

The Corona Virus is affecting all aspects of life, with

crime being no exception. This research brief is aimed at

providing initial observations about the impact of the

COVID-19 pandemic on four types of crime: homicide, robbery,

theft and burglary. Based on ongoing data collection

launched by UNODC in March 2020, trends before and after

lockdown measures were introduced are compared in order to

assess whether the measures have had a significant impact on

those crimes. The possible longer-term impact of the

emerging global economic crisis on the same forms of crime

is also discussed (Property Crime Brief, 2020).

Lockdown measures could activate causal mechanisms for

both a reduction and an increase in crime, in particular

violent and property crime, with some types of crime more

likely to increase and others more likely to decrease. The

empirical data presented in this research brief confirm this

heterogeneous impact, with diverging trends emerging across

countries and types of crime in the short-term after

measures were put in place in response to the pandemic. The

diversity of measures and pre-existing conditions has likely

triggered different mechanisms that have reduced or

increased crime or have balanced the conflicting mechanisms

with no notable changes (Eisner and Nivette, 2020).

In the short term, crime can be affected by lockdown

restrictions in combination with preexisting factors, such

as the presence of organized crime and gang violence, which

vary across countries. Restrictive measures not only reduce

opportunities to commit street crime but also limit the

possibility of criminals breaking into private homes.

Social-distancing measures, such as restrictions on public

gatherings or the closure of bars, restaurants and shops,

also have a significant impact on interpersonal violence, as

circumstances, in which crimes are committed, such as

physical assault outside the domestic sphere, shoplifting,

theft and robbery, are not likely to occur (Property Crime

Brief, 2020).

Objectives of the Study

This study aims to comparatively analyze the crime

rate during Corona Virus. Specifically, to determine the

effects of covid’19 disease to the crime rate in Dolores,

Quezon, in terms of index crime and non-index crime; as

well as the common crime committed during this crisis; and

the programs for continuous reduction of crime rate.

Significance of the Study

 The researcher aims to study the Corona Virus Disease

2019 (covid’19) and its effect to the crime rate in the

municipality of Dolores, Quezon. Thus, this study will be

beneficial to the following:

To the community. This study will help them to

understand the effects of corona virus to the crime rate,

as well as to be aware on the crimes that are mostly

committed during the outbreak of COVID 19.

To the law enforcers. This study will establish a

better view regarding the difference of crime rate between

covid’19 incident and without the said crisis and develop a

better implementation of laws that will affect to the

protection of lives and properties.

To the country's law maker. This study will give aid

on the queries on COVID’19 and its effect to the crime rate

in the municipality. Thus, providing solution for the

interest and welfare of the populace.

To the researcher. This study will be a big help which

regards to the academic purposes needed to be fulfilled,

thus, providing resources for the next researcher to

conduct the same study.

To the future researcher, who will utilize the

possible findings of this study for their future research,

which will further study the effects of pandemic events to

the crime rate.

Theoretical Framework

The theoretical framework is one of the most relevant

part of the research study, it includes theories that the

problem will be drawn out. These theories also discuss the

corona virus 2019 and its effect to the crime rate in the

municipality of Dolores, Quezon. Knowing the effects of

such pandemic event can make significant changes. The

following theories will serve as the basis of this study by

which it is related to the mentioned problem among the

society.

The largest numbers of criminological theories have

been developed through sociological inquiry. These theories

have generally asserted that criminal behavior is a normal

response of biologically and psychologically normal

individuals to particular kinds of social circumstances.

The theory of anomie, proposed by the American

sociologist Robert K. Merton, suggests that criminality

results from an offender’s inability to attain his goals by

socially acceptable means; faced with this inability, the

individual is likely to turn to other—not necessarily

socially or legally acceptable—objectives or to pursue the

original objectives by unacceptable means.

 This theory shows that one of the reasons that prompt

the individual to do crime is that they are pursuing their

goals by illegal means in order to attain achievements or

profits. In this time of crisis, where people are

struggling about income and shortage in cash, some people

will do things in order to gain profits regardless of the

means which they are going to use even that means is

unacceptable or illegal.

The theory of low self-control retains the focus on

restraints from engaging in crime but argues that those

restraints are primarily internal. People with low self-

control, according to this theory, are impulsive and

insensitive to others, tend to engage in physical rather

than mental activities and to take risks, and are oriented

toward the short term rather than the long term.

In the short term, crime can be affected by lockdown

restrictions in combination with preexisting factors, such

as the presence of organized crime and gang violence, which

vary across countries. Restrictive measures not only reduce

opportunities to commit street crime but also limit the

possibility of criminals breaking into private homes.

Social-distancing measures, such as restrictions on public

gatherings or the closure of bars, restaurants and shops,

also have a significant impact on interpersonal violence, as

circumstances, in which crimes are committed, such as

physical assault outside the domestic sphere, shoplifting,

theft and robbery, are not likely to occur (Property Crime

Brief, 2020).

Labeling Theory refers to a theory of social behavior

which states that the behavior of human beings is influenced

significantly by the way other members in society label

them. It has been used to explain a variety of social

behavior among groups, including deviant criminal behavior.

According to this theory, individuals who are labeled as

criminals by society, for instance, may be more likely to

engage in criminal activities simply due to such social

labeling. By the same logic, positive labeling by society

can influence individuals to exhibit positive behavior. The

labeling theory was developed and popularized by American

sociologist Howard S. Becker in his 1963 book Outsiders (The

HINDU, 2019)

This theory portrays that once a criminal, always a

criminal because of the rejection of the society and their

reactions towards them. But, due to the instances where an

ex convicted criminal gained a proper treatment during

rehabilitation, they manage to accept what people may think

towards them and understand the reason of labeling. With

this strong-minded behavior, society accepts them and

treats them as a new. Crime rate sometimes reduced in these

manners.

The short- and long-term impact on crime can be viewed

in the context of criminological theories known as

“opportunity theory” and “strain theory”. These theories

predict two diverging trends for crime: opportunity theory

posits that lockdown measures can potentially reduce the

possibility of criminal offences being perpetrated because

of the restrictions imposed on mobility and social

interaction; strain theory argues that socioeconomic strains

that affect a large stratum of the population, especially

the most vulnerable groups, have the potential to create an

atmosphere of pressure that drives individuals to commit

crime.

Conceptual Framework

In order to give a clear step in conducting the study

the researchers suggest the following framework.

A common definition was necessary in order to compare

statistical information on a national basis for crime

comparison. The purpose of the serious and non-serious

offense was done to achieve that objective. Serious

felonies make up Part I crimes and non-serious felonies and

misdemeanors make up Part II crimes. The reported crimes in

the Crime Record Unit (CRU) are made up of these two

classifications. Only the crimes that were most likely to

be reported were included in the reporting of offenses

because those crimes were most likely to occur with a

frequency that is sufficient for comparison (Narra et al.,

2016).

Harries investigated the impact of population density

on the occurrence rate of property and violent crime using

bivariate correlation approach. However, gaps still exist

with respect to the applicability of the usual crime rate

statistic method and crime density for mapping the

distribution of crime and for the investigation of the

contextual determinants of crime through multivariate

statistical analysis (e.g., regression). (Narra et

al.,2016).

The sum of selected offenses was the Crime Index

total. It measures crime rates inflation and fluctuations

that is reported to law enforcement. The Crime Index total

included violent crimes such as: forcible rape, robbery and

murder. Also included are property crimes such as motor

vehicle theft, robbery, and theft. Inconsistent reporting

resulted in the exclusion of arson. Drug seizures, DUI

arrests, weapon arrests and prostitution, among others are

included in Non-index crime (Narra et al., 2016).

The notion that acts such as murder, rape,

and theft are to be prohibited exists worldwide. What

precisely is a criminal offence is defined by criminal

law of each country. While many have a catalogue of crimes

called the criminal code, in some common law countries no

such comprehensive statute exists (Easton, 2010)

Index or focus crimes are crimes considered serious in

nature and occurring with sufficient frequency and

regularity. In the Philippines, there are nine main types

of such crimes.

Non-index crimes are crimes in violation of special

laws. RIR-homicide stands for reckless imprudence resulting

to homicide. RIR-physical injury stands for reckless

imprudence resulting to physical injury. RIR-damage to

property stands for reckless imprudence resulting to damage

to property. (Sanchez, 2020)

According to the book entitled “Bulletin of the World

Health Organization, 2011, “A pandemic is defined as “an

epidemic occurring worldwide, or over a very wide area,

crossing international boundaries and usually affecting a

large number of people”.

Research Paradigm

The research paradigm of the study shows the process

of this study. As shown in Figure 1, it illustrates the

flow of the process in determining the effects of covid’19

disease to the crime rate in the Municipality of Dolores,

Province of Quezon.

During 2019, where covid’19 hasn’t exist in the

Philippines, the crime rate in Dolores, Quezon is typically

low, but here comes the covid’19 on 2020, even there is a

quarantine, the crime rate increase in a specific crime

such as rape, murder and etc. due to the closure of

businesses, subsequent unemployment and loss of income to

which motivate other people to commit such crimes. However,

if the governmental response will meet the satisfaction of

society by enhancing the duties of PNP by spreading the

enforcer to patrol day and night time can prevent the

occurrence of crime.

Figure1. Paradigm of the Study

Statement of the Problem

1. What is the most common crime committed during covid’19

crisis?

2. What are the effects of Corona Virus disease to the

crime rate in Dolores, Quezon in terms of Index Crime

and Non-Index Crime?

3. What programs may be proposed to reduce the crime

committed during the covid’19 crisis?

Definition of Terms

For further understanding of the readers, the

following terms will be operationally defined.

Corona Virus 2019 or Covid’19 - is a disease caused by a

new strain of coronavirus. 'CO' stands for corona, 'VI' for

virus, and 'D' for disease. Formerly, this disease was

referred to as '2019 novel corona virus' or '2019-nCoV.

This kind of disease stands as a trigger for the commission

of the crime.

Index crimes - refer to crimes against person

and crimes against property such as murder, homicide,

physical injury and rape, car napping/carjacking, and

cattle rustling.

Non-index crimes - on the other hand, are violations of

special laws such as illegal logging or local ordinances. 

Crime rate - describes the number of crimes reported to law

enforcement agencies per 100,000 total populations. A crime

rate is calculated by dividing the number of

reported crimes by the total population; the result is

multiplied by 100,000.

Crisis - a time of intense difficulty, trouble, or danger.

Comparative analysis - is an essay in which two things are

compared and contrasted.

 Chapter 2

DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the methods and procedures used

in gathering the necessary data for the completion of the

study. This includes the research design and methodology,

population and locale of the study, data gathering tools and

data gathering procedure. Likewise, it will describe the

participants and the corresponding sampling technique which

will be utilized to choose them.

Research Design and Methodology

Qualitative method through documentary analysis

research design will be used in this study since it sought

to determine the effects of epidemic events in the reduction

of crime rate in the municipality of Dolores, Quezon.

Qualitative Research will be used to gain an understanding

on the underlying reasons, opinions, and motivations. It

provides insights into the problem or helps to develop ideas

or hypotheses for potential research.

Moreover, Qualitative research is a type of social

science research that collects and works with non-numerical

data and that seeks to interpret meaning from these data

that help us understand social life through the study of

targeted populations or places. In addition, it will allow

the research to examine the people attributes to their

behavior, actions, and interactions with others. Qualitative

research will focus on the micro-level of social interaction

that composes everyday life (Ashley, 2020).

According to the study of Bruce B. Frey (2018),

Document analysis is a form of qualitative research that

uses a systematic procedure to analyze documentary evidence

and answer specific research questions. Similar to other

methods of analysis in qualitative research, document

analysis requires repeated review, examination, and

interpretation of the data in order to gain meaning and

empirical knowledge of the construct being studied. Document

analysis can be conducted as a stand-alone study or as a

component of a larger qualitative or mixed methods study,

where it is often used to triangulate findings gathered from

another data source (e.g., interview or focus group

transcripts, observation, surveys). When used in

triangulation, documents can corroborate or refute,

elucidate, or expand on findings across other data sources,

which help to guard against bias.

Population and locale of the study

This research study will be conducted in the

Municipality of Dolores, Quezon. The said locale is chosen

in this study due to its strict governance against covid’19

disease that possibly reduced the number of covid’19 cases.

The recorded data of Index crime and non-index crime

from Dolores Police Station will be gathered subject for

analysis as a basis of the conduct of the study.

Data Gathering Tool

In this study, a letter signed by the Dean of the

college to gather the necessary data will be prepared and

will be given to the Chief of Police of Dolores Police

Station for approval to collect and gather data.

Likewise, audio recorder will be used during the formal

interview that will be conducted to support the collected

data and the possible findings of the study.

Data Gathering Procedure

The draft of this study and letter to collect data will

be presented to the researcher’s adviser for comments and

suggestions.
 The researcher will seek the approval of the Dean of

the College for data gathering. As the Dean granted

permission, the researcher will also seek permission from

the Chief of Police of Dolores Police Station by giving them

Letter of Permission to collect data signed by the Dean of

the college. The letter will be hand carried by the

researcher and will be discussed to the Chief of Police.

After the proper permission was observed from the

authorities concerned, the researcher will look and ask for

the copy of record files (Index and Non-index Crime) of

Dolores Police Station.

Treatment of Data

To aid the analysis and interpretation of gathered

data, comparative analysis of the index crime rate and non-

index crime rate before and during the outbreak of COVID 19

will be conducted. The researcher tabulated and interpreted

the crime statistics regarding index crimes and non-index

crimes before and during the COVID 19 outbreak from the

Philippine National Police.

 Chapter 3

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

This chapter contains the presentation, analysis and

interpretation of the data gathered by the researcher

regarding The Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID’19) and Its

Effect to the Crime Rate in the Municipality of Dolores,

Quezon: A Comparative Analysis. The data was consists of

three parts. This chapter also presents the general findings

of the study and the results after careful analysis of the

collected data to answer the research problem. The first

part of this chapter shows a tabulated data that presents

the crime reported in terms of index crime in Dolores,

Quezon during the inclusive year of 2019 (without Covid’19)

and 2020 (with Covid’19). Further, it shows also the crime

with the highest and lowest rate including crime against

persons and crime against properties. The second part of

this chapter portrays the tabulated data that presents the

crime rate for non-index crime during 2019 (without

Covid’19) and 2020 (with Covid’19) in Dolores, Quezon.

Furthermore, it includes the number of total crimes reported

specifically in Dolores, Municipal Police Station that

serves as an evident to the effects of the Corona Virus

Disease 2019 (Covid’19), weather it increase or decrease the

crime rate in Dolores, Quezon. The last portion of this

chapter also portrays a figure that shows the most crime

committed during non-pandemic event, specifically in index

crime such as murder, homicide, rape, theft, robbery etc.

THE MOST COMMON CRIME COMMITTED DURING COVID’19 CRISIS IN

DOLORES, QUEZON

This part of chapter presents the most common crime

committed during COVID’19 crisis in Dolores, Quezon from

inclusive years of 2019 (without Covid’19) and 2020 (with

Covid’19). The data were presented into two parts: First is

the index crime reported in 2019 and 2020 that includes

crime against person such as murder, homicide, physical

injury, and rape; and crimes against property such as theft,

robbery and car napping. The second part includes the crime

condition in terms of non-index crime that was reported in

2019 and 2020 involving crimes such as robbery, theft and

car napping.

Generally, the findings of the study show the most

committed crime in terms of index and non-index crime in

Dolores, Quezon. The index crime in Dolores, Quezon during

2019 (without Covid’19) got the total reported crime of

sixty three (63): the index crime recorded in the place got

8 and the non-index crime recorded in the same place got 55.

The index crime is less committed than the non-index crime.

While, during 2020 (with Covid’19), Dolores, Quezon got the

total reported crime of ninety six (96): the index crime

recorded in the place got 13 and the non-index crime

recorded in the same place got 83. The index crime is less

committed than the non-index crime. It indicates that the

common crime being recorded by Dolores, Quezon is non-index

crimes in the year 2019 (without pandemic) and 2020 (with

pandemic such as murder, physical injury, rape, robbery,

theft and car napping motor cycle. Further, it shows that

the commission of crimes varies in different situation and

depends upon specific nature of the crime. Thus, the

Philippine National Police and the other law enforcement in

charge in maintaining the peace and order should show more

efforts to protect the community against the unlawful

elements.

For statistical purposes and to create a standardized

definition of crime classification, crime is further divided

into index and non-index crimes. Index crimes, as defined by

the Philippine National Police (2013), involve crimes

against persons such as murder, homicide, physical injury

and rape, and crimes against property such as robbery,

theft, car napping/carjacking and cattle rustling. Non-index

crimes, on the other hand, are violations of special laws

such as anti-child abuse law and anti-gambling law.

 As corroborated by Eisner and Nivette, 2020, lockdown

measures could activate causal mechanisms for both a

reduction and an increase in crime, in particular violent

and property crime, with some types of crime more likely to

increase and others more likely to decrease. The empirical

data presented in this research brief confirm this

heterogeneous impact, with diverging trends emerging across

countries and types of crime in the short-term after

measures were put in place in response to the pandemic. The

diversity of measures and pre-existing conditions has likely

triggered different mechanisms that have reduced or

increased crime or have balanced the conflicting mechanisms

with no notable changes (Eisner and Nivette, 2020).

According John Doe, June 5, 2021, the most common

crime committed during Covid’19 is the crime of raped in

terms of index crime due to lack of guidance of their

parents. The violation of Republic Act No. 11332 is the

most committed crime when it comes to non-index crime

because of the non-cooperation of our citizens.

Table 1. The Most Common Crime Committed in 2019 and 2020

in terms of index crime in Dolores, Quezon

NATURE OF THE INDEX CRIME INDEX CRIME

CRIME 2019 2020
CRIMES AGAINST PERSON
Murder 0 4
Homicide 0 0
Physical Injury 1 3
Rape 2 5
CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY
Robbery 2 0
Theft 2 1
Car Napping MC 1 0
TOTAL 8 13

The table above shows the total numbers of reported

cases in terms of index crime during 2019 (without Covid’19)

and during 2020 (with Covid’19) in Dolores, Quezon. It

portrays the crime most commonly committed in the year 2019

and 2020.

In the analysis of the researcher, the crime of murder,

physical injury, and rape which are classified under the

crime against person got the most crime reported during 2020

(with Covid’19). Initially, it can be determined through the

data gathered that the crime most commonly committed and

violated are those crimes that are classified under crimes

against person. Yet, the crime of rape got the highest

reported crime during 2020 (with Covid’19) in Dolores,

Quezon with the total of five (5) reported crimes. It

indicates that this crime can be committed during lockdown

and despite the measures implemented by the government.

People tend to do such a thing to fulfill their desire by

inappropriate and unacceptable means or due to intoxication

and influence of alcohol or illegal drugs since people are

stuck unto their home or house. They have no place to go,

they have nothing to do, the more that they are indulge in

this activity.

As corroborated by Khatri, 2020, in Nepal, cases

of sexual abuse and rape continued to make news headlines

as well. However, the number of rapes reported to New York

Police Department has seen a significant decline. As of

October 18, there were 344 fewer rapes reported year to

date, versus the same time period last year. That’s a 23%

drop year over year which was corroborated by Edwards,

2020.

According to Jane Doe, June 10, 2021, the crime that

most committed here in Dolores is the crime of raped. It

occurred because of the presence of victimizers in the

household in the streets. They are everywhere and it can

happen particularly in municipality of Dolores which is a

climate friendly to pedophiles.

On the other hand, the crime of robbery, theft, and

carnapping which are classified under crimes against

property got the least crime reported during 2020 (with

Covid’19). It indicates that people are deterred to commit

crimes under this category since things aren’t left

unattended, and there is more owners visibility on their

property. Because of the lockdown measures and restriction,

people are forced to stay at home which gives them

opportunity to safeguard their belongingness and less

opportunity for the criminals to take chances in taking

thing not belonging to them.

As for the corroboration from Acta Biomed, 2020,

according to a report by the Marshall Project some American

cities are experiencing a remarkable reduction of crime. In

San Francisco, for example, the overall reduction equals

42%, with a decrease of robberies of 60% since the beginning

of the lockdown. In Los Angeles, thefts have dropped by 15%,

robberies by 22%. Since these data refer to March (before

the lockdown got stricter), this decrease is expected to be

even more significant from now on.

PSMg Ramos, a police officer in Dolores, Quezon, stated

that there is a success in preventing the commission of

crimes against property such as theft and robbery. It is

recognizable that the reported crimes against property

decreases during pandemic. The reason behind is that

establishments such as resorts, barber shops or those that

are considered as unessential establishment are forced to

closed because of the IATF guidelines or lockdown measures

that were implemented. With that, criminals are given less

opportunity to perpetrate their unlawful acts (Personal

Communication, June 5, 2021).

Table 2. The Most Common Crime Committed in 2019 and 2020

in terms of non-index crime in Dolores, Quezon

NATURE OF THE CRIME NON-INDEX NON-INDEX

CRIME 2019 CRIME 2020

Acts of Lasciviousness 3 1
Acts of Lasciviousness 2
w/consent
Alarms and Scandals 2
Grave Threats 2
Direct Assault 2
Resisting Authorities 2
Consented Abduction 1
Frust/Attempt Homicide 1
Frust/Attempt Murder 4
Traffic Incidents 23 10
Special Laws 22 63
TOTAL 55 83

The table above shows the total number of reported

crime in terms of non-index crime during 2019 (without

Covid’19) and during 2020 (with Covid’19) in Dolores,

Quezon. It portrays the crime most commonly committed in the

year 2019 and 2020.

On the comparative analysis of non-index crime during

2019 (without Covid’19) and during 2020 (with Covid’19), it

depicts that the traffic incidents got the most reported

crime during 2019 with the total of twenty-three (23) cases.

These are due to the number of vehicles roaming around and

some of them are lacking in traffic education in which

became the prone of traffic accidents. It is higher compared

to the reported traffic incident during 2020 (with covid’19)

because of the implementation of travel ban across the

cities. While, during 2020 (with Covid’19), the special laws

got the most reported crime with the total of sixty-three

63. Specifically, the law on reporting communicable diseases

(Republic Act No. 11332) is the most crime reported because

most of the citizens are not knowledgeable about such rules

and regulations in which they disregarded its value. In lieu

of that, many cases regarding that are being reported in the

municipality of Dolores, Quezon.

While the corroboration of Crim, 2020, is that the

COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 has impacted the world in ways not

seen in generations. Initial evidence suggests one of the

effects is crime rates, which appear to have fallen

drastically in many communities around the world. We argue

that the principal reason for the change is the government

ordered stay-at-home orders, which impacted the routine

activities of entire populations. In view of the researcher,

it affects also the traffic incidents that occurred during

pandemic which affect it’s declined.

On the personal communication on June 5, 2021 with PSMg

Ramos, a police officer of Dolores, Quezon, he said that

based on their record the most common violated crime is the

violation of Republic Act No. 11332 also known as “An Act

Providing policies and Prescribing Procedures on

Surveillance and Response to Notifiable Diseases, Epidemics,

and Health Events of Public Health Concern and Appropriating

Funds Therefore, Repealing for the Purpose Act No. 3573,

Otherwise known as the Law on Reporting of Communicable

Diseases” which is classified under non-index crime.

Further, he states that based on their analysis the

most common cause of the violation is that people disregards

mostly the IATF guidelines and safety protocols such as

wearing of facemask at social distancing which are being

implemented in the Municipality of Dolores, Province of

Quezon and nationwide. Likewise, the lack of parental

guidance and supervision that have something to do with the

lockdown measures also contributes to the violation of

Republic Act No. 11332.

THE EFFECTS OF CORONA VIRUS DISEASE (COVID’19) TO THE CRIME

RATE IN DOLORES, QUEZON

This part of the chapter presents the comparative

analysis on the effects of Corona Virus Disease (COVID’19)

to the crime rate in terms of index and non-index crime in

the Municipality of Dolores, Province of Quezon. Generally,

the reported crimes in Dolores, Quezon during 2019 (without

Covid’19) got the total reported crime of sixty-three (63):

the index crime recorded in the place got eight (8) and the

non-index crime recorded in the same place got fifty five

(55). The crime rate for index crime is much lower than the

non-index crime. While, in 2020, Dolores Quezon got ninety

six (96) total recorded crime: the index crime recorded in

the place got thirteen (13) and the non-index crime recorded

in the same place got eighty three (83). The crime rate for

index crime is much lower than the non-index crime. It

indicates that there is an increase in crime at the onset of

pandemic, particularly in both index and non-index crime.

Crimes are raised due to non-cooperation of the community to

the law enforcers, and the strong desire to earn money to

sustain the needs of the family, especially that there is a

great loss of job/work for a lot of people since a lot of

establishment are forced to be closed for the protection of

the people.

As of October 18, overall crime complaints are down

1.13% year over year. But not all crimes are on the decline.

Burglaries and murder have both seen big spikes in 2020.

Burglaries are up 42%, representing 3,601 more incidents

reported year to date in 2020 compared to 2019. The city has

also seen a 32% jump in murders, equaling 89 more victims

this year than last. As of the end of April, the murder rate

had only increased by 4% year over year. The number of

shooting victims has increased by nearly 99%, with 753 more

victims year to date (as of October 18) than during the same

period last year. Shooting incidents have also climbed at a

rate of 92% year over year—NYPD reports 593 more incidents

so far in 2020, compared to 2019.

Non-Index crime makes up a huge piece on the total

crime volume that reported during the community quarantine

period in the city. Non-index crimes comprise of

approximately 86 percent on the total crime volume reported

during the quarantine period this translates to 1892 non-

index crime compared to 297 index crimes (Alvarez et al.,

2021).

Personal Communication on June 10, 2021 with one of the

personnel of DMPS, some of the crimes has been decreased

while the covid’19 attack, specifically in Dolores, Quezon.

 14

12
12 12
10 11
1010 10

8 9
8 8
6 7
6 6 66 2019
2020
4 5 5 5 55
4
3 3
2
2
0
1
ry ry ch ril ay ne Ju
ly st be
r
be
r
be
r
be
r
nua r ua ar Ap M Ju u gu m to m m
Ja b M A e Oc ve ce
Fe pt De
Se No

Figure 2. The Effects of Corona Virus Disease (Covid’19) to

the Crime Rate in Dolores, Quezon.

The figure above portrays that the reported crime in

Dolores, Quezon during 2019 (without Covid’19) to 2020 (with

Covid’19) increased. It shows that the month of March and

June got the highest reported crime with the total of twelve

(12) cases each month. The crimes are still committed

despite the lockdown measures implemented by the government.

Now, in the view of the researcher, it was due to the

implementation of lockdown measures during the half of month

of march, which means that half of that month is not covered

by the lockdown measures implemented by the government and

as for the month of June, it was also due to lockdown

measures in which the affected citizens are looking for any

means to feed their families and to supply their basically

needs. The food supply or the “ayuda” from the government is

not enough especially when the family is big in which they

are trigger to find more ways even the means they have

employ is unlawful.

On the other hand, during the pandemic period in

Zamboanga City, the crime incidents of both Index and Non-

Index crime dramatically drops compared to the pre-pandemic

period. The ZCPO reported a biggest decrease on the index

crime of the city from almost 47.23 percent or 957 cases

reported this year compared to 2,026 cases reported last

year. Non-Index crime makes up a huge piece on the total

crime volume that reported during the community quarantine

period in the city. Non-index crimes comprise of

approximately 86 percent on the total crime volume reported

during the quarantine period this translates to 1892 non-

index crime compared to 297 index crimes which was

corroborated by Alvarez et al., 2021.

On the personal communication with PSms. Marcelino B.

Enobal, June 5, 2021, the effect of covid’19 to the crime

rate in Dolores, Quezon is that some crimes are declined due

to the implementation of checkpoints in here in the

municipality.
 6

3 2019
2020

0
Murder Physical Injury Rape Robbery Theft Car Napping MC

Figure 3. The Effects of Corona Virus Disease (Covid’19) to

the Crime Rate in Dolores, Quezon in terms of Index Crime

The figure above shows the reported index crime in

Dolores, Quezon during 2019 (without Covid’19) and 2020

(with Covid’19). It shows the increase in crime rate for

index crime classified under crime against person and

decrease in crime rate for index crime classified under

crimes against property. Thus, it provides that the effects

of pandemic crisis on the crime rate depend on the type of

classification crime which can be determined by the

opportunities and different factor that arises in such

cases.

In the analysis of the researcher, the crime of rape

that got the most crime reported under index crime during
pandemic crisis. It implies that regardless of the pandemic,

the commission of this crime still counts. There is a great

opportunity for the people to commit this crime, and they

are more encouraged by the situation since their mind is not

pre-occupied by studies or work the more that they will come

up with thinking and doing things that maybe in violation of

law. People are also strike with boredom which leads them to

explore or indulge in drinking alcohol or drug abuse which

commonly prompted to the commission of the crime of rape

and/or murder. Thus, the authority must expand their

functions to prevent the commission of unlawful acts,

because despite the pandemic, the commission of crime is

still possible.

As for the corroboration of Taylor, 2020, For more

than six weeks, the world has been consumed with talks of

the global pandemic and subsequent lockdowns caused by

COVID-19. As quarantine and stay-at-home efforts drag on, a

second, silent pandemic persists. Evidence shows that rates

of sexual violence increase during states of emergency,

including natural disasters, active conflict, and health

crisis.

During the personal communication with one of the

personnel of DMPS,June 10, 2021, She said that the effect of

the covid’19 in the crime rate in Dolores, Quezon is the

increased of violation of special laws pertaining to the RA.

11332 due to their non-cooperation to the IATF guidelines.

On the other hand, the figure shows no recorded crime

for robbery and car napping, and only one case of theft was

recorded which are classified as crimes against property

under index crimes. It implies that the Corona Virus Disease

2019 leads the government a harder restriction to the people

to prevent the widespread of the virus which also help in

deterring and removing people with opportunity to commit or

perpetrate crime.

In the emergency phase immediately following the onset

of the COVID19 pandemic, decreases were observed in the

incidence of robbery, theft and burglary reported to and

recorded by the authorities. For example, the decrease in

reported robbery was more than 50 per cent in the majority

of countries. Compared with the trends observed in the

number of homicide victims, changes in recorded property

crimes were more homogenous and more marked. However, those

changes are more difficult to interpret because they reflect

changes in the crime itself as well as in reporting capacity

and the accessibility of criminal justice institutions,

which have most likely been affected by the pandemic. Survey

data available from one country, covering the duration of

the initial lockdown, confirm an actual decline in property

crime which was corroborated by the Property Crime Brief,

2020.

70

60

50

40

30
2019
20 2020

10

0
i /c S ts ult ity on ide der nts ws
sc
La ci w and hrea ssa hor ucti ic ur de La
s
f
o Las A e T t A ut bd Hom M Inci cial
t f c sA A tte c Spe
Ac ts o av re s e
c Gr Di Re on /Att s/A Traffi
A C us u
Fr Fr

Figure 4. The Effects of Corona Virus Disease (Covid’19) to

the Crime Rate in Dolores, Quezon in terms of Non-Index

Crime

The figure above portrays the total numbers of reported

non-index crime in Dolores, Quezon during 2019 (without

Covid’19) and 2020 (with Covid’19. It shows that the traffic

incident got the most reported cases in Dolores, Quezon

during 2019 (without Covid’19). While, the special laws are

tends to have the most crime reported during 2020 (with

Covid’19), specifically in the law on reporting communicable

disease (RA 11332). The increase in crime rate for non-index

crime is noticeable through the statistical data gathered.

In the analysis of the researcher, traffic incidents

specifically in reckless imprudence resulting to physical

injury got the most crime reported in Dolores, Quezon during

2019. This is an indicator that the elevation of crimes

varies on time and even the situation or condition of the

state.

As for the corroboration of Lardieri, 2020, the U.S.

saw more than a 7% increase in motor vehicle crashes last

year despite fewer people being on the road due to the

coronavirus pandemic.

RECOMMENDED MEASURES BY THE DOLORES MUNICIPAL POLICE STATION

TO PREVENT CRIMES DURING PANDEMIC

This part of the chapter presents the recommendation

measure by the Dolores Municipal Police Station. Generally,

the findings of the study shows that even the strict

implementation of DMPS with regards to the prevention of

crimes during pandemic, the criminal behavior of a person

does not avoid amid the pandemic crisis.

The Checkpoints, Patrol, and the guidance from the

parents affect the crime rate in the Municipality of

Dolores, Quezon. Checkpoint is the place where the military

or police check vehicular or pedestrian traffic in order to

enforce circulation control measures and other laws, orders,

and regulations which involves only a brief detention of

travellers during which the vehicle’s occupants are required

to answer a brief question or two. It affects the crime rate

by deterring the acts of criminal due to its presence and

visibility. On the other hand, Patrol is the rounding

operation of the PNP in Dolores, Quezon in which is limited

only to mobile patrol. And as for the parental guidance, it

is the assistance of parents to make their children harmless

from danger.

According to PSms. Marcelino B. Enobal, we can deter

the commission of the crime by a continuous implementation

of IATF guidelines, by conducting regular patrolling and

checkpoint and other law enforcement activities.

 Figure 5 shows that the crime controls recommended by

Intensified
Patrol
Enhanced Parental
Checkpoint Guidance

Crime
Control
the Dolores Municipal Police Station in order to reduce the

commission of the crime within their respective

jurisdiction. However, according to the analysis of the data

given to the researcher, it is not well effective in which

the crime rate in Dolores, Quezon increased at some point.

Based on the findings of the study, it shows that the

most committed crime during pandemic is the crime of raped

with the total reported cases of five (5) in terms of index

crime and as for the non-index crime, it was the violation

of special laws pertaining to the violation of Republic Act

No. 11332.

When it comes to the effects of pandemic crisis in the

municipality of Dolores, the findings of the study is that

the crime rate for index crime is much lower than the non-
index crime. It indicates that there is an increase in crime

at the onset of pandemic, particularly in both index and

non-index crime.

With regards to the programs may be proposed in the

reduction of crime in Dolores, Quezon, the findings of the

study is that even the strict implementation of DMPS with

regards to the prevention of crimes during pandemic, the

criminal behavior of a person does not avoid amid the

pandemic crisis.
 Chapter 4

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This chapter presents the findings of the study and the

corresponding analysis as well as the interpretation as the

basis for the conclusion and recommendation of the study.

Conclusions

Based on the findings presented on the research study

the following conclusions were made:

1. The most common crime committed in the municipality of

Dolores, Quezon during 2019 (without pandemic) in terms

of index crime is the crime of rape, robbery and theft

with the total of two (2) reported cases with the

average of 25% and traffic incidents with the total of

twenty-three (23) reported crimes with the average of

41.81%. However, during 2020 (with pandemic), the most

common crime reported in the municipality of Dolores,

Quezon is the crime of rape under the classification of

index crime with the total number of five (5) reported

cases with the average of 41.67%. Though the violation

of special laws are the most common crime reported in

terms of non-index crime with the total number of

 sixty-three (63) cases with the average of 78.90%.

Thus, the strict implementation of new programs is

necessary to have a better solution in this matter.

2. The crime rate in the municipality of Dolores, Quezon

during 2020 (with pandemic) is higher than the crime

rate during 2019 (without pandemic) in terms of non-

index crime, however, in terms of index crime, the

crime rate during 2019 is higher than the crime rate

during 2020. Thus, the enhancement and development of

new program is necessary to address crime situation

within the municipality.

3. The programs that may be employed to reduce the crime

rate in Dolores, Quezon are the continuous conduct of

thorough checkpoint from every point of entry and point

of exit, conducting patrol in an area where the crimes

are most highly to be occurred, giving livelihood to

the most affected individuals in the said municipality

and provide sustainability.

RECOMMENDATIONS

In review of the findings of the study, the followings

are hereby recommended:

1. The PNP should provide additional foot patrol in an area

in the municipality of Dolores where the mobile

 car/patrol cannot enter. Personnel who conducting patrol

must be aware to the implementation procedure and enhance

the strategies in dealing with criminalities.

2. The PNP should conduct seminar in the parents to discuss

the supervision and parental guidance that is necessary

for the safety of their children. Parents should

understand problems within the municipality to

established good socialization with the community, so

that it will ensure to a good result.

3. The PNP should implement strictly the adherence of

various anti-criminality campaigns. Strengthen the

capacity of police to provide more effective crime

prevention interventions.

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at https://www.encyclopedia.com/law/encyclopedias-almanacs-

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https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/crime

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https://www.gov.scot/publications/works-reduce-crime-

summary-evidence/pages/6/

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analysis/covid/Property_Crime_Brief_2020.pdf

John H. Boman IV and Owen Gallupe, 2020, Has COVID-19

Changed Crime? Crime Rates in the United States during the

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https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12103-020-09551-3

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https://unafei.or.jp/publications/pdf/RS_No68/No68_13VE_Leon

es1.pdf

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Largest Criminological Experiment in History. Am J Crim

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020-09546-0

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020-09546-0

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show

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during 2020 at https://www.europol.europa.eu/publications-

documents/how-covid-19-related-crime-infected-europe-during-

2020

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https://www.statista.com/statistics/1153854/covid-19-

arrests-pore-body-police-by-breach-of-the-laws-in-spain/

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extortion crimes in Lebanon at

https://www.arabnews.com/node/1754626/middle-east

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Lockdown
At https://risingnepaldaily.com/main-news/crimes-galore-in-

the-time-of-coronavirus-lockdown

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during coronavirus pandemic at

https://www.thelocal.de/20200505/fewer-burglaries-during-

the-corona-pandemic/

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cases-increase-2020-physical-crime-decrease-accidents-

14096118

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by-49-during-5-month-lockdown/?

fbclid=IwAR1XFI5cVwU6KCnGYZsUsTy1AUBi8ugOO9YulzgAECeJdaRdBek

9W17v4Hw
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upside-baguio-city-crime-rate-drops-by-74

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gave rise to abuses at

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1376281/as-pandemic-led-to-

crime-decline-it-also-gave-rise-to-abuses

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https://sugbo.ph/2020/crime-rate-in-cebu-drops/

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amid Covid-19 pandemic at h10

ttps://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/50728

APPENDIX A

Letter for the PNP in Municipal of Dolores Police Station

 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic University
Province of Laguna
San Pablo City Campus

COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE EDUCATION

February 2021

PCpt. SERAFIN T. GAPUNUAN

Officer-in-charge
Dolores, Quezon

Good day Sir!

The undersigned 4th year student of Bachelor of Science

in Criminology at Laguna State Polytechnic University - San
Pablo City Campus is currently conducting a research study
entitled “The Corona Virus 2019 (Covid’19) and its Effect to
the Crime Rate in the Municipality of Dolores, Quezon; A
Comparative Study” in partial fulfilment of the requirements
of the subject Criminological Research and Statistics.
In this regard, the researcher wishes to ask for your
favourable permission from your good office to allow us to
have a copy of Index and Non-index Crime as partial
fulfilment on the requirements on the above mention subject.
Rest assured that all the information which will be
gathered will be used for Educational purposes and will be
treated with utmost confidentiality. The researcher is
looking forward for your positive response regarding this
matter. Thank you in advance!

Respectfully yours,

Rodelo A. Austria Jr.

Researcher
Contact No. 09978777361

Noted by:

Richie Rosas S. Velasquez

Research Adviser
Contact No.

Marlon M. Wankey Ph.D

Associate Dean, CCJE
Contact No.

APPENDIX B

TOTAL (date committed + late report)

TOTAL CRIMES CLEARED

TOTAL CRIMES SOLVED

TOTAL CRIME CLEARED

TOTAL CRIME SOLVED

DATE COMMITTED

LATE REPORTED
NATURE OF THE CRIME

AGAINST PERSONS 2 2 2 1 1 0 3

Murder 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Parricide 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Infanticide 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Murder (plain) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Homicide 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Physical Injury 1 1 1 0 0 0 1

Rape 1 1 1 1 1 0 2

Rape W/ homicide 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Kidnapping W/homicide 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Kidnapping W/rape 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

AGAINST PROPERTIES 5 4 4 0 0 0 5

Robbery 2 1 1 0 0 0 2

Robbery W/homicide 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Robbery W/Rape 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Robbery W/serious physical
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
injury

Robbery W/arson 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Robbery in Band 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Theft 2 2 2 0 0 0 2

Qualified Theft 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Theft Plain 2 2 2 0 0 0 2

Carnapping MV 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Carnapping MC 1 1 1 0 0 0 1

Carnapping Occupant is
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Killed/Raped MV

Carnapping Occupant is
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Killed/Raped MC

Arsons W/Homicide 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

NON-INDEX CRIMES 8 8 4 0 0 0 8

Acts of Lasciviousness 3 3 2 0 0 0 3

Acts of Lasciviousness
1 1 0 0 0 0 1
w/Consent

Alarm and Scandals 2 2 2 0 0 0 2

Grave Threats 1 1 0 0 0 0 1

Frust/Attempt Homicide 1 1 0 0 0 0 1

TRAFFIC INCIDENTS 15 14 14 0 0 0 15

RIR Homicide 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

RIR Physical Injury 11 10 10 0 0 0 11

RIR Damage to property 4 4 4 0 0 0 4

SPECIAL LAWS 17 17 15 3 3 0 20

Anti-Child Abuse Law 3 3 1 3 3 0 6

Anti-Gambling Law 1 1 1 0 0 0 1

Anti-VAWC Act 2004 1 1 1 0 0 0 1

Comp. Dangerous Drugs Act of
9 9 9 0 0 0 9
2002

Comprehensive FA Law 1 1 1 0 0 0 1

Illegal Numbers Game 2 2 2 0 0 0 2

TOTAL 47 45 39 4 4 0 51
 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic University
Province of Laguna

College of Criminal Justice Education

Dear Ma’am/Sir,

The undersigned is a fourth year BS Criminology student

of the Laguna State Polytechnic University-San Pablo City

Campus (LSPU-SPCC) and currently conducting a research study

entitled “THE CORONA VIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID’19) AND ITS

EFFECT TO THE CRIME RATE IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF DOLORES,

QUEZON: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS” in partial fulfillment of

the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science in

Criminology.

In this regard, the researcher would like to request a

little of your time and cooperation for a short interview.

Rest assured that your response will be treated with utmost

confidentiality and will be used for research purposes.

Respectfully yours,

Rodelo A. Austria Jr.

Researcher

=========================================================
THE CORONA VIRUS DISEASE (COVID’19) AND ITS EFFECT TO THE

CRIME RATE IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF DOLORES, QUEZON : A

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Interview Guide Questionnaire

1. Crimes Committed during lockdown

 What is the most crime committed during Covid’19? Why?

(Index and Non-index)

Answer: ____________ __

____________ __

 What are the crimes seldom committed during Covid’19?

Why?

Answer: ____________ __

____________ __

 Despite of lockdown measures, why is it that crimes are

still committed in Dolores, Quezon?

Answer:________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

 Despite of lockdown measures, why does the crime of

rape become the most committed crime here in Dolores,

Quezon?

Answer:________________________________________________

_________________________________________________
2. Corona Virus Disease and its effect to the Society

 How does Covid’19 affect the crime rate in the

municipality of Dolores?

Answer: ____________ _________________

_______________________________________________

 What are the effects of lockdown measures implemented

in the municipality of Dolores?

Answer: ____________ ____________

_______________________________________________

 What are the things that really affect the crime rate

in Dolores, Quezon?

Answer: ____________ __

______________ __

 What are the measures implemented by the PNP to control

crimes during pandemic crises?

Answer_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

 Did it become effective?

Answer_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

 Considering the different measures imposed during this

pandemic, did the crime rate increases or decreases?

 If increases, why? How does the PNP respond to the

increase of crime rate in Dolores, Quezon despite the

Covid’19?

Answer_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

 If decreases, why? What are the effective measures

imposed?

Answer:________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

 What are the causes why people still tend to violate

the law/ordinance despite the pandemic?

Answer: ____________ __

____________ __

3. Program to propose to reduce the crime committed during

covid’19

 What can you recommend to address problems during

covid’19?

Answer: ____________ __

____________ __

 How can you contribute to at least help to decrease the

commission of the crime in Dolores, Quezon?

Answer: ____________ __
 ____________ __

CURRICULUM VITAE

Name: Rodelo Alcos Austria Jr.

Address: Santisimo Rosario, San Pablo City,

Laguna

Contact no: 09978777361

E-mail Address: bheloyaustria@gmail.com

PERSONAL DATA

Date of Birth : October 12, 1994

Place of Birth : San Pablo City

Age : 26

Gender : Male

Civil Status : Single

Height : 5’9

Citizenship : Filipino

Religion : Christian

Mother’s Name : Myrna A. Austria

Father’s Name : Rodelo B. Austria

Language Spoken : Tagalog

EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT

Tertiary Level : Bachelor of Science in Criminology

Laguna State Polytechnic

University

San Pablo City Campus

 2017 – 2021

Senior High School : Santisimo Rosario National High

School

Santisimo Rosario, San Pablo City

2015 – 2017

Secondary Level : Santisimo Rosario National High

School

Santisimo Rosario, San Pablo City

2007 – 2012

Primary Level : Santisimo Rosario Elementary School

Santisimo Rosario, San Pablo City

2001 – 2007

I hereby certify that the above information is true and

correct to the best of my knowledge.

RODELO A. AUSTRIA JR.