By RJ Espartinez

Kidapawan City – Rape cases reported in the province of North Cotabato during the 1st and 2nd quarter of the year have risen. 

12 rape cases were added to the list this year, considerably higher compared to the same time last year.

However, Cotabato Police Provincial Office (CPPO) Director Police Col. Maximo Layugan said the rise of rape cases was because of the citizens’ confidence in reporting the cases to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Majority of rape cases recorded happened during the previous years and victims only dare to report the crime this year, which greatly affected the huge spike.

Layugan urged rape victims to report the crime immediately so they can take immediate action to locate and arrest the suspects.

Meanwhile, motorcycle theft cases have remarkably reduced compared to last year, according to Layugan.

According to the statistics released by CPPO, motorcycle theft was considered as the highest crime-against property.