National capital region: The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) acting chief Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano announced a significant reduction in the crime rate in Metro Manila, with an impressive 51.47 percent decrease reported from August 23 to September 8, particularly in the eight focus crimes.
According to Philippines News Agency, these focus crimes include murder, homicide, physical injury, and rape, which are categorized as crimes against persons, as well as robbery, theft, carnapping, and motorcycle theft, which are considered crimes against property. Abrahano expressed gratitude to the district directors for their support in achieving this reduction and emphasized the importance of maintaining the momentum to ensure crime rates remain low in Metro Manila. The NCRPO encompasses the Manila Police District, Quezon City Police District, Northern Police District, Southern Police District, and Eastern Police District.
Abrahano took over as Metro Manila police chief on August 23, setting three clear priorities: reducing crime, improving response times, and enhancing police conduct. Data from the Crime Incident Reporting and Analysis System for the period shows a drop in focus crime incidents from 373 in 2025 to 181 this year, marking a 51.47 percent decrease. The steepest decline was observed in the carnapping of motor vehicles, which fell by 85.71 percent, followed by carnapping of motorcycles at 72.73 percent, and physical injuries at 65.52 percent. However, murder incidents increased from seven to ten and are under close monitoring.
Case-resolution figures illustrate the progress made, with crime clearance efficiency remaining high at 95.03 percent, and crime solution efficiency rising from 72.12 percent to 80.66 percent, showcasing the NCRPO's improved capacity to solve crimes and bring offenders to justice swiftly. This progress is driven by an intensified police presence guided by Abrahano's Prepare, Prevent, and Respond operational approach.
Furthermore, Abrahano reported that 749 individuals were arrested during 604 anti-illegal drug operations, with contraband valued at PHP36.19 million seized, including 5,116.13 grams of suspected shabu and 842 grams of kush or high-grade marijuana. Operations against loose firearms resulted in 153 police actions, 150 arrests, and 156 firearms confiscated, recovered, or surrendered, with 59 cases filed in court.
In addition to crime reduction, the NCRPO recorded 146,416 ordinance violators and apprehended 422 wanted persons, including 155 Most Wanted Persons and 267 Other Wanted Persons. Abrahano emphasized that these early gains demonstrate the effectiveness of their roadmap but stressed the importance of maintaining vigilance to ensure the public continues to experience real and lasting results.
