The Philippine National Police (PNP) has received commendation from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Thursday for its law enforcement efforts, which contributed to a decrease in both index crimes and cybercrime in 2024.

Speaking at the PNP’s 34th foundation anniversary celebration at Camp Crame, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla — in a message read by National Police Commission Vice Chair Ricardo Bernabe — highlighted the PNP’s increased police visibility and collaborative work with various sectors.

These efforts, he said, resulted in a 9.72 percent decrease in index crimes, or crimes against persons and property.

Index crimes, also known as focus crimes, include murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, theft, robbery, vehicle theft and motorcycle theft. The total volume of these crimes dropped from 38,404 in 2023 to 34,841 in 2024, according to Abalos’s message.

The DILG also lauded the PNP’s success in combating cybercrime as through constant monitoring, detection, protection and mitigation of cybersecurity issues, reported cybercrime cases fell by 31.8 percent, from 21,300 in 2023 to 14,529 in 2024.

Despite the positive trend, Remulla urged the police force to intensify its efforts to maintain peace and order in the face of increasingly complex threats as he assured the PNP of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s full support in fulfilling its mandate to serve and protect the people.

“As we celebrate the foundation of the PNP, may today be a reminder of the pride and honor we bring to our country whenever we fulfill our duties with integrity, honesty and excellence,” Remulla said.

“Together, we can contribute to the aspirations of a Bagong Pilipinas that is safe, secure, peaceful and progressive,” he added.

Remulla also acknowledged the PNP’s ongoing internal cleansing efforts, citing the resolution of cases involving rogue officers to maintain the organization’s integrity and public trust.

Looking ahead, the DILG chief also stressed the “heavier tasks” facing the PNP in the coming year, requiring “greater commitment and stronger resolve.”

He specifically mentioned the 2025 midterm elections, stressing the importance of ensuring the orderly conduct of the polls as Remulla also highlighted the need to diligently monitor areas in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, which will hold its first autonomous elections.

Meantime, PNP chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil affirmed the force’s commitment to its role as a “partner in fostering a government rooted in integrity, unity and progress.”