Manila: The nationwide crime rate dropped by 34 percent in April compared with the same period in 2024 and 2025, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday. PNP data showed focus crime incidents declining from 3,961 in 2024 to 3,002 in 2025, and further to 2,616 in 2026-equivalent to a 34-percent reduction over the two-year period. Focus crimes include murder, homicide, rape, physical injury, carnapping of motorcycles and motor vehicles, and theft.
According to Philippines News Agency, the April figures also reflect the initial impact of the "Safer Cities" initiative, which was rolled out during the month to boost police visibility, strengthen coordination with local government units, and enhance deployment in urban crime-prone areas. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. told reporters on the sidelines of a ceremony granting cash rewards to 21 police informants at Camp Crame, 'These numbers show that our efforts are working, but we will not be complacent. Tuloy-tuloy ang ating trabaho para mas mapababa pa ang krimen at mas mapalapit ang serbisyo sa tao (Our work continues to further reduce crime and bring services closer to the people).'
Launched by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on April 6, the campaign enforces local ordinances such as a 10 p.m. curfew for minors, a ban on public drinking, and restrictions on shirtless roaming and late-night videoke sessions.
Meanwhile, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested 1,124 individuals and seized more than PHP1.6 billion worth of evidence in nationwide operations in April. CIDG chief Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II said that under Oplan OLEA (Other Law Enforcement Activities), authorities targeted illicit and counterfeit goods, trademark violations, substandard products, petroleum pilferage, illegal logging, illegal gambling, and illegal mining, among others.
From April 1 to 30, the CIDG conducted 943 law enforcement operations and filed 143 criminal complaints before the National Prosecution Service. Among those arrested were 622 wanted persons, including two listed as National Most Wanted Persons with Reward, 105 as Regional Most Wanted Persons, 125 as Provincial Most Wanted Persons, and 96 as City/Municipal Most Wanted Persons. Authorities also arrested two leaders and four members of a communist terrorist group.
Operations also led to the seizure of 155 loose firearms-14 light weapons and 141 small arms-and 38 explosives. 'Our focus goes beyond making arrests; we are dedicated to conducting circumspect detection and thorough investigations to ensure the filing of airtight complaints. We are working toward the certainty of conviction, with the end goal of helping all victims attain the justice they truly deserve,' Morico said in a statement.
