Manila: Crimes in the Central Luzon region have dropped by 66.36 percent in November, the Police Regional Office (PRO) 3 reported on Monday. In a statement, PRO-3 Director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan highlighted a significant reduction in crimes, reporting 213 incidents of eight focus crimes in November compared to 321 in October. According to Philippines News Agency, these focus crimes include murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, theft, robbery, vehicle theft, and motorcycle theft. Brig. Gen. Maranan attributed the decline to the implemented peace and order operational framework. This strategy enhanced police presence, quick response times, and counteractions against drug groups, criminal gangs, and private armed groups, resulting in the substantial decrease in crime across the region. The intensified police presence included 24/7 checkpoints and police outposts throughout Central Luzon, effectively depriving criminals of opportunities to engage in unlawful activities. Meanwhile, the National Capital R egion Police Office (NCRPO) announced a 17.52-percent decrease in crimes on a weekly basis. From November 24 to 30, the NCRPO recorded 1,991 crimes, down from 2,414 incidents during the previous week of November 17 to 23. In addition to decreasing crime incidents, the NCRPO intensified operations against wanted individuals, successfully arresting 337 persons, which included 137 most wanted individuals. Their anti-illegal drug operations were also successful, resulting in the confiscation of 4.7 kg of shabu, 167.65 grams of marijuana, and 11.87 grams of kush, with a total estimated street value of PHP32.3 million. These efforts led to the arrest of 287 suspects in 181 anti-drug operations. Furthermore, the NCRPO conducted 187 anti-illegal gambling operations, which led to the arrest of 449 offenders and the seizure of PHP114,000 worth of gambling paraphernalia and proceeds. As part of security preparations for the upcoming 2025 midterm elections, the NCRPO also confiscated 25 unlicensed firearms.