The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) reaffirms its assurance and commitment to peace and security in Metro Manila as it cited the significant achievements in reducing criminality in the region.
It may be recalled that since the first week of December, a consistent decline in crime rate was reported in the region with heightened police visibility and aggressive anti-crime campaign.
“The downtrend of crimes is expected to continue as NCRPO institutionalizes the back to basics policy in crime prevention. This development is gaining grounds amidst the pronouncement of Website NUMBEO stating that Metro Manila has one of the highest crime index among Asian cities for the period of 6 months from January 1 to June 30, 2024,” the NCRPO said in a statement released on Sunday, Dec. 29.
Nonetheless, the NCRPO slammed a survey by NUMBEO which showed that Manila was number 2 in the global crime index with 64.5 percent next only to Damascus, Syria with 69.4 percent.
“NCRPO raises deep reservations and conce rns over these unreliable presentations of data by NUMBEO. The actual PNP data shows a continuous decline in both index and non-index crimes, underscoring the effectiveness of its proactive strategies,” the statement said.
According to the NCRPO, the Public Safety Indicator, currently at 129.80, further highlights the collaborative efforts between law enforcement and the community to ensure a secure and peaceful environment for residents.
Furthermore, the implementation of the “back to basics” strategy in crime prevention and solution since the last week of November has resulted in significant improvement in the overall crime situation in the metropolis.
The NCRPO also said the NUMBEO findings must be subjected to a critical analysis in order to be of impact to the overall efforts of the government to address security concerns.
“With due respect, the report published on the site Numbeo about the Crime Index by City 2024* Mid-Year, lacks transparency regarding its methodology, leaving questions about the accuracy of its conclusions.” the NCRPO said.
“It remains unclear whether the report focused on serious crimes such as murder, theft, and robbery or included non-criminal incidents like traffic violations and disputes. Without clarity on data sources or reporting standards, the findings should be interpreted with caution,” it added.
While these surveys and studies may guide the PNP in the implementation of policies, there is a need to use the proper methodology in the process, putting emphasis on what crimes can be considered a proper index in determining the security situation.
The NCRPO, in contrast, relies on robust and transparent crime reporting systems, including the e-Blotter and the Crime Information Reporting and Analysis System.
These platforms provide accurate, comprehensive, and data-driven insights that align with international standards. By leveraging these tools, law enforcement can identify trends and address emerging challenges effectively, the NCRPO said.
As Metro Manila is a densely populated area and an economically active region, it naturally records a higher volume of incidents.
According to NCRPO, their innovative measures and data-driven strategies have established a strong foundation for sustained improvement.
“In consideration of these factors, NCRPO remains steadfast in its mission to serve and protect the public. It continues to encourage community participation to maintain and build upon these achievements.” the NCRPO said.
“By working together, law enforcement and the public can ensure Metro
Manila’s progress toward a brighter and safer future.” it added.
