MANILA – The crime rate in Metro Manila has dropped by 11.12 percent for the period Oct. 9 to Nov. 4, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director, Maj. Gen. Sydney Hernia, reported on Wednesday.
In a news release, Hernia said the total number of crimes dropped by 957 incidents to 7, 649 over the period, from the 8, 606 logged during the September 12 to October 8 period.
He said this highlights the NCRPO’s proactive anti-criminality campaigns, strategic deployments, and digital policing efforts, all contributing to enhanced regional safety and security.
The five districts covered by the NCRPO are the Manila Police District (MPD), Quezon City Police District (QCPD), Northern Police District (NPD), Southern Police District (SPD), and Eastern Police District (EPD).
From October 9 to November 4, the NCRPO conducted 703 operations, leading to the arrest of 1, 039 individuals and the confiscation of 10, 518.19 grams of suspected shabu, 2, 815.99 grams of marijuana, two ecstasy tablets, 6.9 grams of cocaine, and 6, 208.76 grams of kush, with a total estimated street value of PHP 79, 714,805.40.
In the campaign against loose firearms in preparation for the 2025 National and Local Elections, the NCRPO arrested 157 individuals and confiscated 160 firearms in 155 operations.
Efforts against illegal gambling, meanwhile, resulted in the arrest of 1,954 individuals and confiscation of PHP 542, 404.75 in 792 successful operations.
As part of sustained efforts to bring wanted individuals to justice, Metro Manila cops successfully apprehended 539 most-wanted persons and 708 other wanted persons during the period, Hernia said.
He said the NCRPO, through effective planning and deployment strategies, also capably managed security for international events, including the International Conference on Women, Peace, and Security (ICWPS) 2024, the WHO Regional Conference, and the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR), that drew more than 3, 000 delegates and concluded with “zero incidents.”
In addition, the NCRPO ensured a peaceful observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day through extensive inspections at transport terminals, cemeteries, and other public areas.
Hernia also cited the NCRPO’s modernization initiatives, which enhanced its crime reduction efforts.
These include the PNP Law Enforcement Reporting and Information System (LERIS) app, which enhances crime reporting and streamlines rapid response coordination; and the Electronic Daily PNP Personnel Accounting System (EDDPAS), which tracks personnel and has improved operational efficiency and accountability.
“These digital solutions proved valuable during essential events enabling real-time updates and efficient responses to maintain public order,” Hernia said.
“The advancements we’ve made in digital apps like the PNP LERIS and EDDPAS are transforming our approach, making our operations more responsive, transparent, and efficient. This progress reflects our resolve to prioritize public safety above all.” (PNA)