The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported Tuesday a 41.77 percent decline in focus crimes nationwide in August 2026 compared with the same month last year, driven by reductions in vehicle theft and rape.

PNP figures show overall focus crimes dropped to 2,087 incidents in August 2026 from 3,584 in August 2025, representing 1,497 fewer reported cases.

Motor vehicle theft saw the sharpest drop at 67.74 percent, falling from 31 cases to 10. Reported rape cases fell 58.65 percent, from 769 to 318, while motorcycle theft decreased by 53.64 percent, from 220 to 102 cases.

Physical injury cases declined 46.83 percent, from 521 to 277, and theft dropped 41.67 percent, from 1,315 to 767 cases. Robbery and homicide decreased by 33.16 percent and 3.33 percent, respectively.

PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. attributed the drop to sustained police presence under the agency’s Enhanced Managing Police Operations framework, which aligns with the security agenda of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“It is good to see the decline, but we should not become complacent,” Nartatez said in Filipino. “Every number represents a real situation involving people and communities. That is why our work continues — prevent where we can, respond when needed, and make sure our police service remains present where people need it most.”

Alongside the crime statistics, Nartatez reported that anti-drug operations from January to August led to the seizure of P11.5 billion in illegal drugs and the arrest of 50,766 suspects across 43,383 operations.

Seized substances over the eight-month period included approximately 1.36 million grams of suspected shabu, more than 3.61 million grams of dried marijuana leaves, and over 8.9 million marijuana plants.

In August alone, police conducted 5,306 anti-drug operations, arresting 6,044 individuals and confiscating P599.89 million worth of illegal drugs.

Nartatez emphasized that drug enforcement will remain strict while adhering to due process and human rights standards.