Safer streets a mirage

Dear Editor,

Imagine walking the streets of Metro Manila and feeling a stronger sense of safety and security than ever before. A utopia, right? But apparently, it’s within reach — or so the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) would have us believe. Their recent achievements, loudly trumpeted in headlines, paint a picture of crime steadily retreating into the shadows.

I recently read about the reported 10.62 percent drop in crime incidents from November to December — a feat that, if we’re being generous, sounds promising. Of course, one must assume these statistics are entirely accurate, with absolutely no room for embellishment. Who wouldn’t trust the impeccable record-keeping of government agencies?

The NCRPO’s proactive measures — reducing focus crimes by nearly 12 percent and conducting successful operations against illegal drugs, gambling, and wanted individuals — deserve commendation. Again, if true.

These efforts supposedly bring justice and build that ever-elusive trust between the police and the community. The numbers — over 1,200 suspects arrested, millions of pesos’ worth of drugs confiscated, and numerous firearms seized — are, of course, impressive on paper. But as we know, paper is very forgiving.

As someone who has personally experienced crime in Metro Manila, I can only marvel at how these statistics didn’t quite manage to save my phone from being snatched a few years ago. It happened so quickly — one moment I was texting, and the next, the thief was gone, probably to join the 12 percent of “reduced” focus crimes. Reporting the incident? A masterclass in futility. My phone remains missing, and my paranoia remains intact. Progress, right?

This is why the NCRPO’s efforts are so “significant.” I sincerely hope they intensify their anti-crime campaigns, sparing future victims the joy of learning to cling to their belongings like a lifeline.

However, progress, as we’re told, is a journey. The slight dip in crime clearance (from 99.56 percent to 98.86 percent) and solution efficiency (from 96.36 percent to 96.03 percent) is a minor hiccup, surely. After all, perfection is overrated, and a percentage point or two barely matters when victims are already so used to unmet expectations.

And while the decline in crime incidents is encouraging, one can’t help but wonder: are these reductions a sign of a genuine trend, or are they just a product of the holiday season’s heightened vigilance? Sustainability, it seems, is just another buzzword. Let’s see how long this lasts, especially as the 2025 elections and their “unique complexities” roll around.

Despite my experiences, I remain cautiously optimistic. By fostering collaboration between law enforcement and the community, perhaps we can turn these dazzling numbers into something that genuinely resembles safety.

Here’s to brighter days and safer streets — hopefully, for real this time.

Wesley Baltazar

Malabon City