‘Metro crime rate down by 67 percent’

MANILA, Philippines - The number of crimes in Metro Manila went down by 67.7 percent, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Chief Superintendent Joel Pagdilao said over the weekend.

NCRPO records showed that 271 robbery and theft cases were recorded from Sept. 7 to 13 this year, down by 567 cases from the 838 cases reported during the same period in 2014.

Pagdilao attributed the drop in crime rate in the metropolis to the “Lambat-Sibat” campaign initiated by former interior secretary Manuel Roxas II and the deployment of additional police officers in crime-prone areas.

The NCRPO is reviewing its deployment pattern on a weekly basis to prevent criminals from victimizing the public, especially during the “ber” months.

Pagdilao said the NCRPO recorded 27 murder and homicide cases from 37 cases; car theft from 39 to only six cases; motor theft from 42 to 31, and physical injuries from 183 to 83.

Despite the success of the NCRPO’s Lambat Sibat operation, Pagdilao urged his five district directors and 38 station commanders not to lower their guards against crimes.

“We need to sustain the gains of the anti-crime drive to make Metro Manila a safe place to live in,” he said.

The NCRPO chief said the deployment of more policemen in the streets would deter criminals.