NCR's focus crimes down by over 59% from August 10-17, 2026 compared to 2025

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Monday reported a 59.24% drop in focus crimes in Metro Manila from August 10 to 16, 2026 compared to the same period in 2025.

In a statement, the NCRPO said it has sustained its intensified anti criminality campaign with “a 59.24% drop in the eight focus crimes—from 157 incidents in the same period last year to 64 cases, marking a reduction of 93 incidents.”

Focus crimes are offenses considered as serious in nature with sufficient frequency and regularity.

These include murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, carnapping of motor vehicles, and carnapping of motorcycle.

All eight focus crime categories posted declines, led by a 100% decrease in carnapping of motor vehicles.

This was followed by reductions in theft, rape, physical injuries, homicide, robbery, carnapping of motorcycles, and murder.

NCRPO units arrested 277 wanted persons during the period, including 107 Most Wanted Persons and 170 Other Wanted Persons.

The Manila Police District (MPD) accounted for the most arrests with 86.

NCRPO units also conducted 245 anti-illegal drug operations, resulting in 305 arrests and the seizure of illegal drugs worth P10,708,896.80.

The confiscated items included 1,571.56 grams of shabu, 26.44 grams of dried marijuana leaves, 5.30 grams of kush, and 25 cannabis-related vape items.

The Southern Police District (SPD) led the campaign with 89 operations and 109 arrests, while MPD accounted for the largest volume of shabu seized at 656.86 grams.

The NCRPO also intensified its campaign against illegal gambling, conducting 221 operations that resulted in 434 arrests and the confiscation of gambling proceeds.

Meanwhile, police launched 35 operations against loose firearms, resulting in 36 arrests and the recovery of 36 firearms.

SPD recorded the most operations against loose firearms with 17.

NCRPO chief Police Major General Anthony Aberin said the decline in crime should not lead police to ease their efforts.

“A 59.24% reduction in the eight focus crimes is not a reason to ease our efforts—it is a reason to press harder,” Aberin said.

“We will continue taking illegal drugs and loose firearms off the streets, pursuing wanted persons, and disrupting illegal gambling so that criminals are given less space to operate anywhere in Metro Manila,” he added.—AOL, GMA News