The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered regional and local units to maintain stronger police visibility and intensified anti-criminality operations after focus crimes dropped by nearly 16 percent under the government’s Safer Cities initiative.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the decline shows the impact of data-driven deployments, tighter resource management, and operational reforms being implemented nationwide.
The PNP said focus crime incidents fell from more than 4,400 cases recorded from February 22 to April 5 to fewer than 3,800 cases from April 6 to May 18.
Among the sharpest decreases were rape cases, which dropped by 40 percent; carjacking, down by 28 percent; and physical injuries, down by nearly 26 percent. Robbery, theft, homicide, and murder cases also declined during the period.
Nartatez said police units were directed to continue focusing on crime-prone areas, transport hubs, and communities where stronger patrol presence can help prevent criminal activity.
“This 16-percent drop is not a temporary dip but the direct result of institutionalized reforms, data-driven deployments, and strict resource accountability,” Nartatez said.
He said the PNP is ensuring that resources directly support field operations and keep personnel deployed where they are most needed.
“We are ensuring sustainability by maximizing our logistics so that funding directly serves police operations and keeps boots on the ground where they are needed most,” he added.
Under the Safer Cities initiative, police units are working more closely with barangays and local government units to improve response time, strengthen patrol coverage, and build community engagement against street crimes and other public safety threats.
The PNP chief also reminded police personnel not to become complacent despite the lower crime figures.
“To our men and women in uniform, I commend your dedication under the Safer Cities initiative but this is not the time to become complacent,” Nartatez said.
He said professionalism, discipline, and integrity remain essential in sustaining the gains of the anti-criminality campaign.
The PNP said it would continue visible and proactive community policing to prevent a rebound in crime and ensure that police presence is felt in communities.