National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) director Police Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar yesterday expressed confidence that the belief that crime will be on the upswing during the so-called “Ber” months will now be a thing of the past.

Eleazar made the declaration as the Police regional force continues to implement its Intensified Cleanliness Policy (ICP) that has caused the downtrend in crimes and illegal drugs in Metro Manila.

Quoting figures to dispel that the months of September to December will usher in more crimes compared to other months of the year, he said, based on data, metro crime volume has been going down annually since 2016. This shows incidences during the “Ber” months had always been lower than the other months.

In 2016, “Ber” months recorded only a monthly average of 1,535 crime incidents versus 1,725 during non-“Ber” months; in 2017, only 1,339 versus 1,414; and in 2018, only 1,077 versus 1,149.

The NCRPO chief, however, was also quick to point out of the continuing decrease in crime volume from 2016 to 2018.

This year, he said crime volume for January to August is down from a monthly average of 1,149 to 981.

“Based on the trend established by the last three years, I am optimistic that Metro Manila residents will again have another merry Christmas,” Eleazar said, noting that last Christmas, the metropolis recorded zero casualties the whole season.

He also acknowledged the sacrifices of the men and women of NCRPO who continue to serve with utmost dedication despite the fact they work daily, sometimes without days off.

He explained each NCRPO policeman can do their jobs easier as they are now guided by the tenets of the ICP, the operational blueprint of the regional police office.

“The ICP states that no matter how small the dirt or crime at hand, fix it or clean it up, so it does not generate other crimes,” Eleazar said. “The ICP asks the policeman to check and clean his home and office; the streets he patrols or traverses to make sure crime is prevented; and his own ranks and peers to make sure everyone is aboveboard,” he added.