The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported a 15.99-percent decline in focus crimes nationwide following the rollout of the Safer Cities Initiative, citing stronger police visibility, targeted anti-criminality operations, and closer coordination with local communities.
Based on PNP data comparing the 43-day periods before and after the initiative began on April 6, 2026, focus crime incidents dropped by 719 cases, from 4,495 incidents recorded from February 22 to April 5 to 3,776 cases from April 6 to May 18.
All eight focus crime categories posted decreases during the monitoring period.
Rape cases registered the biggest drop at 30.61 percent, followed by carnapping of motor vehicles at 28.20 percent, physical injury at 25.93 percent, robbery at 15.12 percent, theft at 10.61 percent, carnapping of motorcycles at 6.64 percent, homicide at five percent, and murder at 2.17 percent.
In the National Capital Region, focus crime incidents also went down by 8.57 percent, which the PNP said reflected the impact of intensified police operations and increased police presence in urban areas.
The PNP also attributed the nationwide decline to proactive policing, intelligence-driven operations, strategic deployment of personnel, and sustained coordination with local government units and stakeholders.
The Safer Cities Initiative is being advanced by Interior Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla Jr. as part of broader efforts to improve peace and order in communities.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the initial gains show that sustained police presence and responsive law enforcement can help reduce crime and improve public safety.
“Ang pagbaba ng focus crimes ay bunga ng mas pinaigting na police presence, mabilis na responde, at pakikipagtulungan ng iba’t ibang sektor sa ating kapulisan. Patuloy nating palalakasin ang ating mga hakbang upang mapanatili ang kaayusan at kaligtasan ng mamamayan,” Nartatez said.
The PNP said it will continue strengthening public safety measures, proactive policing, and community partnerships under the “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman” campaign.