Drug war helped cut crime rate in Metro Manila – NCRPO

SWAMPED The hotline has gotten 2,054 texts in over two days. —NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) cited the government’s war on drugs as one of the main factors for the 25 percent decline in Metro Manila’s crime rate in the first half of 2018.

According to the NCRPO, metro crime incidence has been reduced after 48,886 suspected drug users and pushers were arrested; 1,590 were neutralized; and 233,896 have surrendered under the government’s Oplan Tokhang, an anti-illegal drugs campaign spearheded by the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“Evidently, the less number of drug addicts on the street equates to lesser criminal activities and criminal incidents,” the NCRPO said in a statement, before explaining that drug abuse and addiction lead to crime because of the constant need to purchase substances.

“To some extent, they are forced to steal, rob shops and innocent people on the streets, barge into homes, in worst cases have to assault, hurt and even kill their victims to get money to buy illegal drugs,” it added.

The NCRPO also cited the steady police presence in the streets, strict implementation of local ordinances and national laws as well as PNP’s information dissemination as important measures to prevent crime and ensure public safety.

Internal cleansing

The NCRPO further said another program that helped the drive against crime is the continuing internal cleansing of the PNP.

“On the first day of the new ‘I-SEND mo SMS/TEXT’ based system of the NCRPO [,,,] 31 messages or 21%  were complaints against police scalawags. The feedback from the community shows that the NCRPO is on the right track with its priorities in fighting illegal drugs and internal cleansing,” it said.

Moreover, the NCRPO said the increase in the salaries of police have also helped since it has boosted the morale of the police force, especially those in the rank and file.

The NCRPO likewise said that crime prevention has been greatly assisted by technology through CCTVs, GPS systems, tracking devices, and smart phones, among others.

“With the advent of technology and social media, the accomplishments, plans and programs of Team-NCRPO have gained trust and confidence from the public.  Netizens are even more cooperative and supportive in giving relevant information and reports,” it noted.

NCRPO Director Chief Supt. Guillermo Eleazar urged the public to trust and support the efforts of NCRPO, saying they are always committed to “serve and protect”.

“Magtulungan po tayo upang mapanatili ang kapayaan at kaayusan sa ating rehiyon,” he said.  /kga