The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported declining crime rates as the year draws to a close, with a near 13 percent decrease in focus crimes such as murder, rape, and robbery.

According to PNP Acting Chief PLtGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez announced that incidents of crime dropped by 12.86 percent—from 3,001 in October to 2,615 in November—reported RH 52 Edniel Parrosa.

The greatest declines were observed in cases of rape, physical injury, murder, as well as theft, which is among the priority focus crimes this Christmas season.

Cybercrime incidents also decreased from 379 cases to 311 this November—a 17.94 percent reduction.

Aside from a month-to-month comparison, the PNP’s 15-week monitoring showed that crime lessened by 39 percent nationwide. From a peak 767 incidents, the police recorded only 466 incidents from December 2 to 8.

At present, the PNP are on a heightened alert status, to be raised to full alert during the holidays.