The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported a 20.6% decline in the country’s eight focus crimes more than three months after the implementation of the Safer Cities Initiative, citing increased police visibility and stronger enforcement of local ordinances.
The PNP said the initiative also resulted in a 21.74% increase in police enforcement of local ordinances, reflecting efforts to promote public order and safer communities.
Launched on April 6, 2026, under the leadership of Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” C. Remulla, the Safer Cities Initiative aims to strengthen police presence and local government coordination in support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s peace and public safety agenda.
PNP records showed that from April 6 to July 4, 2026, total incidents involving focus crimes decreased to 7,883 cases, compared with 9,506 incidents recorded during the previous three-month period.
The police organization reported notable declines in incidents of rape, carnapping, physical injury, robbery, theft, homicide, and murder.
During the same period, more than 2.82 million individuals were arrested or apprehended for various ordinance violations, representing an increase of over 505,000 compared with the previous three-month period.
The PNP said the figures show that sustained enforcement of local ordinances, combined with stronger police visibility, can help deter criminal activity by encouraging discipline and improving community presence.
The initiative supports the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly the Enhanced Managing Police Operations program, which promotes intelligence-driven, preventive, and community-centered policing.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. welcomed the initial results but emphasized that maintaining public safety requires continuous effort.
“Maganda ang ipinapakita ng datos, pero hindi rito nagtatapos ang ating trabaho. Ang tunay na sukatan ng tagumpay ay kung mas ligtas at mas kampante ang ating mga kababayan sa kanilang mga komunidad. Patuloy nating palalakasin ang police visibility at pakikipagtulungan sa mga lokal na pamahalaan upang mapanatili ang kaayusan,” Nartatez said.
He added that crime prevention remains as important as law enforcement.
“These gains remind us that prevention is just as important as enforcement. Kapag may disiplina, may presensya ng pulis, at may aktibong komunidad, mas maliit ang pagkakataon para makagawa ng krimen. We will continue improving our strategies while ensuring that every police action remains lawful, fair, and respectful of the rights of every individual,” he said.
The PNP assured the public that it will continue evaluating and strengthening the implementation of the Safer Cities Initiative nationwide while building stronger partnerships with communities to sustain crime prevention efforts.
The agency said the initiative reflects the vision of the Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: “Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.”