Manila, March 18 -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday reported a 12.66-percent drop in nationwide crime from Jan. 1 to March 12.

PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuano said 6,377 focus crimes were recorded, down from 7,301 in the same period last year.

Focus crimes include murder, homicide, rape, physical injury, carnapping, and theft.

"We are on the right direction as far as crime prevention is concerned," Tuano said at the Kapihan sa Manila Hotel forum.

He said the PNP expects a possible rise in robbery and theft amid soaring oil prices due to the Middle East conflict.

"Tinatanggap ng Philippine National Police na hindi lang ito mananatiling perception. Posible na tumaas yung ating crimes against property (The Ph...