Crime rate in Metro Manila has dropped to an average of 660 a week, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said Sunday.

According to a report on the Philippine Star, NCRPO head Dir. Carmelo Valmoria said the numbers went down from more than 700 recorded incidents since his department started grading the performance of police commanders in June.

Valmoria said only 26 murder and homicide cases have been recorded in the last four months while robbery cases have also decreased.

“We expect the numbers to go down further as we intensify our anti-crime efforts during the Christmas season,” Valmoria said.

Valmoria added that from 659 crime incidents recorded in Metro Manila Sept. 22 to 28, the figure has down to 634 cases last week.

“The weekly average crime rate in the metropolis now is at 660. With the renewed energy of our new district directors, we are on the right track to further reduce the number of crimes,” he said.

To date, four police district directors and 14 station commanders have been relieved from their positions over high crime rate in their jurisdiction. These include chief superintendents Richard Albano of the Quezon City Police District, Rolando Asuncion of the Manila Police District, Erwin Villacorte of the Southern Police District, and Edgardo Layug of the Northern Police District.