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Friday, March 29, 2024

Crime rate in Manila drops 38% this year

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The crime rate in Manila has dropped significantly by 38 percent this year, with the Manila Police District registering a marked improvement in its ability to solve crimes, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada disclosed Monday.

Estrada attributed the city police force’s continuing success to the able leadership of its director, Chief Supt. Joel Coronel, who is now leading the investigation into the alleged fraternity hazing death of Horacio Castillo III involving students of the University of Santo Tomas.

“I have always believed in our city police’s competence and dedication to protect our city from crimes and terror threats,” Estrada said.

“Slowly but surely, we are making significant and considerable gains and improvements in the peace and order situation of our beloved city,” said the mayor.

Citing a report submitted by Coronel, Estrada said index crimes in the past 12 months decreased by 38.7 percent, from a high of 5,474 cases in 2016 to only 3,393 this year.

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Index crimes are crimes against persons and property such as murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, and car theft or carjacking, among others.

Most notable, Estrada said, is the reduction of street crimes such as armed robbery, holdups, and snatching.

He also reported that the MPD’s crime solution efficiency during the same period improved from 54.8 percent in 2016 to 67.5 percent this year—nearly seven out of 10 crimes have been solved by the city police force with the arrests of suspects and the filing of cases against them.

This is a remarkable improvement, the mayor said, considering that crime solution efficiency of the 4,600-strong police force averaged only 38.05 percent in 2014 to 2015, and 24.55 percent in 2013 to 2014.

It is for these reasons, Estrada pointed out, that MPD was chosen as this year’s Best Police District in Metro Manila by the National Capital Region Police Office. Bill Casas

Since assuming office in 2013, Estrada has been supportive of the city police, the so-called “Manila’s Finest.” He helped transform the MPD into a disciplined, competent, and highly-trained and equipped city police force by providing them with adequate financial and logistical support.

Just last March, Estrada procured P20 million worth of brand new firearms for MPD operatives to improve the city police’s firepower against armed criminals and terrorists.

Last October, the city government also bought for MPD 400 Glock 9mm semi-automatic pistols, 60 M4 carbines, eight Sig Sauer sniper rifles, ammunition, and other necessary gears and equipment all worth P20 million.

Since 2013, Estrada has allotted P1.9 billion for Manila’s crime prevention program, which includes P136 million in back allowances of MPD members and the procurement of 41 new mobile patrol cars and 110 electric personal transporters.

Through a P20-million funding, the mayor also renovated the headquarters of MPD on United Nations Avenue for the first time since it was built way back in 1949. Bill Casas

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