Manila: Carnapping incidents nationwide dropped by 8.5 percent from January to June 30, 2025 compared to the same period last year, the Philippine National Police - Highway Patrol Group (HPG) said on Thursday.
According to Philippines News Agency, in a press briefing held at Camp Crame, PNP-HPG spokesperson Lt. Nadame Malang stated that the decrease in carnapping incidents indicated the effectiveness of their anti-carnapping campaign. Malang reported that there were 140 incidents of four-wheel carnapping recorded in the last six months, a decline from the 160 incidents logged in the same period last year. Additionally, there were 964 two-wheel or motorcycle napping incidents recorded this year, fewer than the 1,002 reported last year.
Lt. Malang emphasized the role of the directives from the chief PNP and the collaboration with local police forces in conducting checkpoints as significant factors contributing to the reduction in cases. The data supports the success of these efforts in decreasing carnapping incidents nationwide.
Earlier, Malang noted that the HPG is enhancing its emergency response capabilities by deploying over 700 handheld radios to their regional field units. This initiative is in response to the order from Chief PNP Gen. Nicolas Torre III to maximize the use of handheld radios for effective communication. A total of 733 handheld radios were distributed to the regional highway patrol units across the nation.
Lt. Malang explained that Gen. Torre had directed officers to remain vigilant on their radios, offering guidance on responding to complaints received via the 911 emergency hotline and other digital communication platforms.
In preparation for emergencies during the rainy season, Malang also mentioned that the HPG has procured chainsaws and electric generators. This equipment is intended to aid the Department of Public Works and Highways in clearing roadblocks caused by debris during adverse weather conditions.
The PNP has previously stated its readiness to deploy over 26,000 communication assets, 9,000 transportation assets, and 8,400 search and rescue equipment in anticipation of challenges presented by the rainy season, which officially began on June 2.
