The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Sunday revealed that the crime rate in Metro Manila dropped by 19.16 percent in the first month of this year.

NCRPO acting chief Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin attributed the development to aggressive and relentless police operations against criminals, as well as campaigns against illegal drugs, loose firearms, illegal gambling, and wanted persons.

The NCRPO logged 451 crimes against persons and properties in January — 110 fewer than in the same month last year.

These included murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, theft, robbery, vehicle theft and motorcycle theft, which are classified as focus crimes.

Rape cases declined by 46.49 percent, while physical injuries fell by 37.14 percent, homicides by 28.57 percent, murders by 17.65 percent, and thefts by 23.05 percent.

Aberin touted the police’s high efficiency in addressing crimes, with a 92.46 percent clearance efficiency and a 72.73 percent solution efficiency.

“The timely arrest of these lawless elements contributes to crime reduction, as it removes perpetrators from the streets, preventing them from victimizing helpless individuals. Further, the strict implementation of local ordinances is also a major factor in this consistent reduction in the number of crimes,” he said in a statement.

The NCRPO is composed of the Manila Police District, Quezon City Police District, Northern Police District, Southern Police District and Eastern Police District.

Meanwhile, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III recently reported that 1,177 wanted persons and suspects were arrested in January.

The anti-crime operations also seized 139 firearms, six explosives, 1,311 rounds of assorted ammunition, and other evidence worth P97.2 million, resulting in 149 filed criminal complaints.

“It is important that we account for and confiscate all loose firearms so that these will not be used as instruments of crime for the upcoming election,” Torre said.