Metro crimes down 23 percent

MANILA, Philippines — The crime volume in Metro Manila dipped by at least 23 percent, the National Capital Region Police Office reported last week.

The NCRPO documented 768 crimes from Nov. 23, 2024 to Jan. 15. The figure is lower by 23.2 percent compared to the 1,000 crimes recorded during the same period in the previous year.

NCRPO director Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin attributed the decrease in index crimes to the intensified police presence in public areas.

Another factor is the deployment of police officers during major events, he said.

“With the help of a responsive community, we will continue with our back-to-basics approach in crime prevention and solution, while implementing innovations in law enforcement,” Aberin said in a statement.

Rape cases registered the biggest drop from 213 to 108, or a decrease of 49.3 percent followed by car theft from 13 incidents to eight cases.

Cases of physical injuries went down by 33.06 percent, from 121 to 81. Theft incidents dropped by 17.42 percent, from 419 to 346.

Aberin said murder cases decreased from 56 to 51, or a drop of 8.93 percent. Robbery incidents went down by 7.84 percent, from 102 to 94.

Homicide cases remain the same at 22. Motorcycle theft recorded an uptick of 7.41 percent, from 54 cases in 2023 to 58 incidents in 2024.

Aberin said the aggressive campaign against illegal drugs and other crimes was also a factor, with the police confiscating P153.29 million worth of drugs.

Police units in Metro Manila also initiated 1,518 operations against illegal gambling, which resulted in the arrest of 3,806 people and confiscation of P928,071.50 in bet money.

Up to 356 guns were confiscated and 352 people were nabbed in the campaign against loose firearms.

The NCRPO also arrested 2,166 wanted fugitives in the region.

Police said 349,465 people were also rounded up for violating local ordinances.

“The NCRPO shall consider these initial operational milestones as our motivation to remain committed in performing our mandate of keeping Metro Manila peaceful,” Aberin said.