Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported a significant 13.51 percent drop in index crimes in the first 10 months of 2024. In a press briefing held at Camp Crame, PNP information chief and spokesperson Brig Gen. Jean Fajardo announced that 30,322 index crime incidents were recorded from January 1 to November 8, a decrease from the 35,057 incidents during the same period last year. Additionally, the police logged 30,166 focus crime incidents, marking a 13.52 percent reduction compared to 34,883 incidents in 2023. According to Philippines News Agency, focus crimes include murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, theft, robbery, vehicle theft, and motorcycle theft. However, there was a noticeable rise in motor vehicle thefts, which increased by 1.42 percent, with 1,714 incidents compared to 1,690 last year. Homicide cases also saw an increase to 995, a 3.65 percent rise from the 960 recorded last year. Fajardo highlighted a 5.75 percent decrease in cybercrime cases in the third quarter of this year compared to the first six months. The PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group attributed the downtrend, particularly in online scams, to improved enforcement and awareness campaigns. From July to September, 3,494 cybercrime cases were recorded, compared to 3,707 in the second quarter and 4,354 in the first quarter. The PNP attributed the overall reduction in crime to the implementation of strategic policies, including enhanced police visibility, intelligence-driven operations, community-based programs, and partnerships with other agencies. PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil emphasized the importance of maintaining the decreasing crime rate, especially during the holiday season, by ensuring strict supervision of foot patrols to reflect the PNP's commitment to service. In the fight against illegal drugs, from January 1 to November 2, the PNP conducted 40,351 operations, arresting 49,621 drug offenders and seizing PHP19.29 billion worth of illegal drugs. Marbil's directive, aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. 's emphasis, is to strengthen the campaign against illegal drugs through collaboration with other law enforcement agencies. Since taking office, President Marcos has shifted from his predecessor's controversial approach, favoring a strategy focused on reformation and drug prevention.