By Freddie C. Velez Camp Olivas, Pampanga – Philippine National Police  - Central Luzon director Chief Supt. Amador V. Corpus yesterday reported that the crime rate in the region dropped by almost 24% in the last quarter of 2017. Corpus said that based on latest data from the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division, a total of 13,707 crime incidents were recorded since he took over as Central Luzon regional police director, in September  to December, 2017. The number represents   23.97 percent drop compared to the same period in 2016, when 18,029 cases were recorded. The Crime Solution Efficiency has increased by 4.93% and the Crime Clearance Efficiency has also increased by 4.78%. Corpus said that the significant crime rate decrease was attributed to the beefed-up anti-crime measures particularly against motorcycle - riding suspects and wanted persons. Corpus said, the regional police force is working  round-the- clock in order to ensure the safety and security of  the public. “We will keep on tracking down violators of the law especially motorcycle-riding suspects. We are also back on track in our campaign against illegal drugs,” Corpus said. “Expect a series of anti-drug operations in the coming days. Time and again, I always say that crime prevention is a 24-hour task and is a serious business to be handled by us in the PNP, still, I solicit the support of the public to help us by actively participating in our anti-criminality campaigns thru immediate reporting of crimes and information of any illegal activities that they know,” added Corpus. In Bataan, Gov. Abet S. Garcia also reported a 20 percent crime rate drop in 2017. “Hopefully, we can also lower it by another 20 percent this year,” said Garcia.  (with a report from Mar T. Supnad)