Crime rate down? PNP points to cop visibility

In a Philippine National Police (PNP) claim that many Filipinos find perplexing when compared with the view from the ground, the crime rate supposedly dropped sharply in January 2026, PNP chief P/Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said on Monday.

In a press briefing after the flag-raising ceremony in Camp Crame, Nartatez said that data from their Crime Information, Reporting and Analysis System (CIRAS) showed that from 1 to 31 January 2026, a total of 2,449 focus crimes were recorded nationwide. 

The data showed 787 fewer cases, a 24.32 percent decrease, compared to the 3,236 incidents reported during the same period in January 2025. 

Crime figures also improved compared to December 2025, which logged 2,594 cases, reflecting a 5.59 percent drop, or 145 fewer incidents.

“These figures tell us one thing — our communities are becoming safer,” the PNP chief said. 

“This is not an overnight result. It is the product of the sustained work of our police across the country,” he added. 

Data further showed that all focus crime categories posted declines. Murder cases dropped by 10.13 percent, from 316 to 284 incidents, while homicide decreased by 20.19 percent, from 104 to 83 cases. 

Physical injury cases fell by 30.81 percent, declining from 409 to 283 incidents.

Rape cases recorded one of the steepest reductions, down by 60.97 percent, from 848 cases last year to 331 this January. Theft incidents also went down by 3.82 percent, from 1,020 to 981 cases.

Car theft declined by 45.16 percent, from 31 to 17 cases, while motorcycle robbery dropped by 27.27 percent, from 198 to 144 incidents during the period.

“We do not measure success solely by the number of operations conducted or arrests made. What matters to us is whether people feel that their communities are safer. When crime declines, it is a clear indication that our efforts are having a positive impact,” Nartatez said.  

He attributed the nationwide improvement to the Enhanced Managing Police Operations under the PNP Focused Agenda, which focuses on better supervision, clearer direction for field units, and faster police response.

The PNP assured the public that police units nationwide will continue to intensify patrols, strengthen community coordination, and strictly monitor police performance to sustain the downward trend.

P651-M drugs seized

Nartatez also said that PNP conducted 4,491 operations, resulting in 5,062 arrests in January and confiscated drugs included around 39 kilograms of shabu, over 575,000 dried marijuana leaves, over 1.5 million pieces of marijuana plants, over 3,100 kush marijuana, and small amounts of cocaine and ecstasy, with the total estimated drug price over P651 million.

In anti-smuggling operations, the PNP conducted 688 operations, arrested 436 individuals, and confiscated smuggled goods worth almost P1.95 billion.