The Philippine National Police (PNP) committed Tuesday to sustaining anti-criminality operations nationwide to strengthen public trust in peace and order as major crimes continue to decline.

PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said he directed police chiefs and local commanders to actively participate in community engagement initiatives aimed at building public trust.

The PNP reported a 20.6 percent drop in focus crimes during the first three months of the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) Safer Cities Initiative, moving from 9,506 cases recorded between 6 January and 5 April down to 7,883 cases from 6 April to 4 July.

Despite the statistical decline, PNP officials noted that recent high-profile incidents featured in traditional and social media have raised public safety concerns.

“We understand the public’s concern because every serious crime affects people’s sense of security,” Nartatez said.

“While our data shows a decline in focus crimes, we will not be complacent. Every incident is treated seriously, and we will continue strengthening our operations to prevent crime and bring offenders to justice,” he added.

According to police data, the overall reduction spanned all focus crime categories. Motor vehicle theft dropped by 48.4 percent, rape decreased by 38.9 percent, physical injury fell by 27.8 percent, and robbery declined by 22.9 percent.

Homicide cases dropped by 21.5 percent, motorcycle theft decreased by 15.8 percent, theft fell by 14.4 percent, and murder recorded a 2.5 percent decline.