Manila, Philippines—The number of crimes in Metro Manila dropped by 67 percent, Chief Superintendent Joel Pagdilao, director of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), told the Philippine Star.

According to Pagdilao, the dramatic decrease in the crime rate was mainly attributed to the “Oplan Lambat-Sibat” campaign, spearheaded by presidential candidate Mar Roxas, former secretary of the interior and local government, and the deployment of additional police officers in crime-prone areas.

271 robbery cases were reported based on a brief period from September 7 to 13 this year, which shows a drop by 567 cases from 838 cases recorded during the same period last year.

27 murder and homicide cases also decreased from 37 to 27; car theft from 39 to six; motor theft from 42 to 31; and physical injuries from 183 to 83.

In a recent statement from Abigail Valte, deputy presidential spokesperson, she lauded the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) “Oplan Lambat-Sibat.”

“The government continues to support the PNP, which has now attained a 1:1 police-to-pistol ratio, and seeks to further strengthen its force through modernization,” she added.