The Philippine National Police on Tuesday vowed to sustain aggressive anti-criminality operations nationwide to strengthen public confidence in peace and order despite a reported decline in focus crimes.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said chiefs of police and field commanders have been directed to actively engage communities and strengthen police visibility to build public trust.

"We understand the public's concern because every serious crime affects people's sense of security. 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," Nartatez said.

The PNP reported a 20.6 percent decrease in focus crimes during the first three months of the Department of the Interior and Local Government's Safer Cities Initiative.

Focus crime incidents dropped from 9,506 cases recorded between Jan. 6 and April 5 to 7,883 cases from April 6 to July 4.

The agency said all focus crime categories registered declines, including carnapping of motor vehicles by 48.4 percent, rape by 38.9 percent, physical injury by 27.8 percent, robbery by 22.9 percent, homicide by 21.5 percent, carnapping of motorcycles by 15.8 percent, theft by 14.4 percent and murder by 2.5 percent.

Nartatez said crime statistics alone are insufficient to earn public trust, stressing that communities must also experience a stronger police presence.

"Crime statistics are only one measure of our performance. People must also see and feel police presence in their communities. We will sustain high-visibility patrols, faster police response, and closer engagement with local communities to build public confidence," he said.

He directed all police regional offices to strengthen police visibility in Metro Manila while sustaining anti-crime operations in the provinces to ensure consistent security efforts nationwide.

The directive aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s order, through Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, to ensure Filipinos feel safer through responsive and effective law enforcement.

"The PNP remains fully committed to protecting every community. We ask the public to continue working with us by reporting crimes and suspicious activities. Together, we can make our neighborhoods safer," Nartatez said.