NCRPO continues anti-criminality efforts
THE National Capital Region Police Office has made significant gains in its effort to keep peace and order in Metro Manila and ensure that those breaking the law will be caught, jailed and prosecuted.
From November 23, 2024 to March 2, 2025 the NCRPO headed by Brigadier General Anthony Aberin apprehended over 7,500 drug personalities and wanted persons in Metro Manila.
The 100-day operation also resulted in a major reduction in focus crimes in the metropolis.
The official said that during the period, they conducted a total of 2,729 anti-illegal drug operations, a 25.82 percent higher compared to the same period in November 2023 to March 2024.
Those operations resulted in the arrest of 4,028 drug personalities or a 20.13% increase in drug arrests and the seizure of P267,639,096.80 worth of shabu and other prohibited substances.
From February 20 to March 8, the NCRPO also sent to jail 1,743 wanted persons to jail in Metro Manila.
Over the last five weeks, NCRPO’s manhunt operations have surged in momentum, with arrest numbers steadily climbing from 349 (Feb 2-8) to 321 (Feb 9-15), then 338 (Feb 16-22), followed by 339 (Feb 23-Mar 1), and 396 (Mar 2-8), said the NCRPO chief.
“This sharp and sustained increase proves that the force is not just active—it is relentless.
This record-breaking surge is a testament to the success of NCRPO’s “AAA” policing principles—Able, Active, and Allied.
Every operation is intelligence-driven, aggressive in execution, and strongly backed by community collaboration,” he added.
During the period, he said that the Southern Police District headed by Brig. Gen. Manuel J. Abrugena recorded the highest district total at 384 arrests, followed by the Manila Police District under Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas C. Ibay with 381 arrests.
The Quezon City Police District headed by Colonel Melecio M. Buslig Jr. captured 340 wanted men while the Northern Police District under Col. Josefino D. Ligan caught 328.
The Eastern Police District headed by Col. Villamor Q. Tuliao meanwhile arrested 310 targets.
Brig. Gen. praised the dedication of his men in tracking down the wanted men.
“This significant increase in arrests is not by chance—it is the result of strategic enforcement, relentless commitment, and the dedication of every NCRPO officer,” he assured.
Brig. Gen. Aberin also encouraged Metro Manila residents to maintain their vigilance and report any criminal activity to the nearest police station or through the NCRPO’s hotline.
The NCRPO also intensified its campaign against illegal gambling, conducting 3,126 operations during the period or a 30.41 percent increase which resulted in 7,695 arrests or a 23.48% increase compared to the other period.
As a result, it recovered P1,883,471.00 worth of cash bets and illegal gambling paraphernalia or up by 29.63 percent compared to the previous period.
The Metro Manila police also strengthened its efforts against loose firearms, confiscating 815 illegal guns or a 39.79 percent increase as a result of 776 operations which was also 46.42 higher compared to the other period.
The number of arrested individuals for firearm-related violations also rose to 796 or a 47.41 percent increase from last year.
The NCRPO’s enforcement of local ordinances also saw a remarkable improvement, with 662,150 violators apprehended or a 53.83 percent increase.
The total amount of fines collected during the period reached P180,887,273.00, representing a 53.47 percent increase from the previous period.
The official also noted a surge in the number of wanted persons arrested during the period which he said showcases the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and strengthened coordination among law enforcement units.
He particularly cited the successful capture of all Top 10 Most Wanted Fugitives in Metro Manila within a single week in February 2025.
From November 23, 2023, to March 2, 2024, a total of 3,494 individuals were apprehended through Manhunt and Oplan Warrant operations conducted by the five NCRPO districts.
In contrast, from November 23, 2024, to March 2, 2025, the figure rose to 3,721, reflecting a notable increase of 227 arrests or 6.5 percent.
The data shows an improvement in both Manhunt Warrant (MWP) and Oplan Warrant (OWP) operations, with MWP arrests increasing from 1,599 to 1,752 or a 9.6 percent increase and OWP apprehensions rising from 1,895 to 1,969 or a 3.9 percent increase.
Brig. Gen. Aberin also highlighted the effectiveness of their intensified law enforcement and community policing efforts which led to a 17.04 percent reduction in 8 Focus Crimes in the metropolis during the period wherein crime incidents dropped from 1,837 to 1,524, reflecting 313 fewer cases.
The NCRPO’s Crime Clearance Efficiency stands at 98.82 percent while Crime Solution Efficiency rose to 72.24 percent or 3.44 percent increase from the previous year.
