Quezon city: The nationwide crime rate in the Philippines experienced a significant decline of 30.43 percent in June, as compared to the same period in 2025, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday. PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. reported that 2,138 focus crimes were recorded in June, down from 3,073 incidents during the same period last year, reflecting a decrease of 935 incidents.
According to Philippines News Agency, focus crimes include murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, motor vehicle theft, and motorcycle theft. Notably, carnapping of motor vehicles showed the most improvement with a 66.67 percent decrease, followed by a 57.25 percent drop in rape cases, and a 40.15 percent reduction in physical injuries.
Nartatez attributed these results to the ongoing impact of intensified police operations, increased police visibility, focused crime prevention strategies, and strong partnerships with local government units, partner agencies, and communities. In June, the PNP conducted 5,298 anti-drug operations, resulting in the arrest of 6,085 individuals and the seizure of illegal drugs valued over PHP435 million.
The PNP also reported success in its campaign against wanted persons, with 7,923 individuals apprehended, including 2,294 most wanted suspects. The anti-smuggling efforts resulted in 2,517 operations, arresting 665 individuals and confiscating goods valued at over PHP1 billion. Additionally, the campaign against loose firearms led to the arrest of 1,079 individuals and the surrender or confiscation of 3,779 firearms.
In a related development, the PNP has intensified coordination with law enforcement agencies to dismantle a syndicate behind PHP980 million worth of smuggled cigarettes seized in Cebu. The shipment was intercepted during a joint operation with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Mandaue City, involving 25 container vans.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) reported the confiscation of PHP40.30 million worth of illegal drugs and the arrest of 52 suspects in nationwide operations from June 25 onward. The operations involved 49 raids, 35 of which were buy-bust operations, leading to charges under Republic Act 9165. Authorities seized substantial amounts of marijuana plants, shabu, Ecstasy, and marijuana seedlings, demonstrating the effectiveness of coordinated law enforcement efforts.
