Focus crimes in NCR down 57% in last 35 months

MANILA — Focus crimes in Metro Manila decreased 57 percent on the first 35 months of the Duterte administration compared to the last 35 months of the previous administration.

Based on figures released by the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) obtained by the Philippine News Agency (PNA), NCRPO chief, Major Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said the number of crimes against persons and crimes against property decreased to 49,115 from July 2016 to May 2019.

This translates to a 57.69-percent decrease from the 116,089 cases from August 2013 to June 2016, during the administration of former president Benigno Aquino III.

Crimes against persons include murder, homicide, physical injuries and rape while crimes against property are robbery, theft, motor vehicle and motorcycle theft.

The NCRPO also noted a steady decline in the number of these crimes from 21,782 in 2016; 18,580 in 2017; 14,911 in 2018.

From January to May this year, a total of 5,277 incidents of focus crimes have so far been recorded.

Eleazar attributed the decrease in the volume of crimes to the public reporting to the police of untoward incidents, as well the police force’s aggressive and intelligence-driven drive against criminal gangs, terrorists, and lawless elements.

“Because of our cooperation and collaboration, we have improved our security and because of the efforts of this administration, the Duterte Administration through its intensified campaign of all forms of criminality particularly the campaign against illegal drugs,” Eleazar said.

“We can say in honesty that we are winning with this war as can be shown by (more than) 50 percent reduction of crime in Metro Manila,” he added.

He urged the public to help and cooperate with authorities in apprehending those involved in criminal activities.

“I would like to encourage the public to immediately report any suspicious person or activities to the nearest police station and police assistance desk.

They can also contact the NCRPO through social media accounts: facebook pio ncrpo; facebook page@pioncrpo2019; twitter@pioncrpo2019; and Isumbong Mo sa Team NCRPO hotlines 0999-901-8181or 0915-888-8181,” the Metro Manila top cop stressed.