Crime rate in Metro Manila declining —NCRPO chief

National Capital Region Police Office chief Director Guillermo Eleazar on Saturday said that crime rate in the metropolis is declining,  despite a recent Social Weather Stations nationwide poll suggesting that some 1.8 million Filipino families reported to have fallen victims to common crimes in the last six months.

In an interview on Super Radyo dzBB, Eleazar pointed out that while the crime rate is declining "fluctuations" are expected.

"Ang trend natin ay pagbaba ng krimen... 'Yun pong pag-fluctuate basically expected po 'yan."

Metro Manila's top cop also emphasized that during the first 30 months of the Duterte administration crime rate actually dropped to 54 percent as compared to the last 30 months of the Aquino administration.

A recent survey by pollster SWS showed that some 1.8 million or 7.6 percent of Filipino families say they were victimized by common crimes in the past six months.

Common crimes refers to pick-pocketing or robbery of personal property, break-ins, car theft, and physical violence.

Eleazar said the police will intensify its efforts to curb criminality.

"We really have to continue what we have started. Kaya mas lalo nating paiigtingin itong ating ginagawang operations against illegal drugs," he said. —Ted Cordero/LBG, GMA News