Over the last 5 years (1987-92), metropolitan Manila, composed of four cities and 13 municipalities, had an average annual crime volume of 20,539. Since 1988, however, reported crime in the entire country has continuously declined. Rapid industrialization and urbanization in metropolitan Manila brought many unemployed farm laborers to the city. Many have not been incorporated into the skilled labor force necessary for factory jobs and white-collar jobs created by new industries. Unemployed and unskilled people are prone to commit crimes, due to either necessity or the influence of liquor or illegal drugs. In an effort to counter crime, a National Crime Prevention Program has been mounted. It involves structuring a sound administrative system for improved efficiency and effectiveness in the criminal justice system, the expedition of fair and humane delivery of criminal justice services, increased respect for the basic rights of both offender and victim by criminal justice personnel, the minimizing of graft and corruption, and the enhancement of citizens' awareness and participation in crime prevention. Efforts to upgrade various criminal justice components focus on the police, prosecution, the courts, and corrections. Ways to enhance community involvement in crime control efforts are also discussed.