Crime rate in Metro Manila drops by 21% in 2018 —PNP

The number of crimes committed in Metro Manila in 2018 was 21% lower compared to 2017, National Capital Region Police Office chief Director Guillermo Eleazar said in a briefing on Wednesday.

Compared to 2017, crimes decreases by 27% for crimes against persons; 17% for crimes against property; and 52% for cases of murder.

From the 1,542 murder cases recorded in 2017, only 738 were registered in 2018.

Crimes committed by motorcycle-riding suspects was also lower by 53%. Over 853 cases were recorded in 2017, but decreased to 400 cases this 2018.

According to Eleazar, within the first 30-month period of the current administration, the reduction of crime was over 54% compared to the previous administration's first 30-month period.

The index crime rate in Metro Manila lowered from 12 crimes every month per 100,000 population in 2017, to only an average of 9 crimes every month  in 2018.

Index crimes, as defined by the Philippine National Police (PNP), involve crimes against persons such as murder, homicide, physical injury and rape, and crimes against property such as robbery, theft, carnapping/carjacking and cattle rustling.

The crime rate during the start of the Christmas season or the 'ber' months, a time known to have a very high number of crimes committed, decreased as compared to non-'ber' months.

The crime clearance efficiency, a term used when suspects are found and cases have been filed against them, increased from 67% in 2017 to 76% in 2018. The crime solution efficiency also increased from 47% to 55% in 2018.

Eleazar said that 2018 was a "big improvement" from 2017, expressing hopes 2019 will be a year of continued improvement.

According to him, one of the main reasons for the decrease in crimes was the campaign against illegal drugs.

He said, "all of the crimes committed is somehow associated or related sa involvement of drugs." —LDF, GMA News