Crimes in NCR down 10.6% in December

MANILA, Philippines — ‘The crime volume in Metro Manila decreased by at least 10 percent last month, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) reported yesterday.

Police documented 9,227 crimes in December. The figure is 10.62 percent lower compared to the 10,323 crimes posted in November.

NCRPO director Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin said murder cases dropped by 10.71 percent; homicide, 30.77 percent, and motorcycle theft, 50 percent.

Aberin attributed the improvement in the peace and order situation in Metro Manila to the effective implementation of crime prevention strategies and proactive measures.

Aberin cited the arrest of 1,248 wanted persons last month, including 548 tagged as most wanted fugitives.

“Every arrest and every case resolved are steps toward building trust and fostering collaboration between the police and the people we serve,” Aberin said in a statement.

The NCRPO intensified its drive against illegal drugs, which led to the arrest of 1,120 people in 761 anti-narcotics operations.

Up to 14.99 kilos of shabu and marijuana valued at P63.83 million were seized by police.

Operations against illegal gambling resulted in the arrest of 2,272 people and seizure of P554,874 in bets.

Up to 212 loose firearms were seized in 198 law enforcement operations as part of preparations for the May midterm elections.