Quezon city: The nationwide crime rate dropped by 36.12 percent in July compared to the same period in 2025, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced Monday. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. revealed a significant reduction in focus crimes, with only 2,209 incidents recorded in July, a decrease from last year's figure of 3,458.

According to Philippines News Agency, focus crimes include murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, motor vehicle theft, and motorcycle theft. The decline was noted across all categories, with rape experiencing the most substantial decrease at 56.93 percent. This was followed by a 46.15 percent drop in motor vehicle theft and a 42.59 percent decrease in motorcycle theft.

Gen. Nartatez emphasized the role of continuous efforts by the PNP, in collaboration with communities and partner agencies, in achieving these results. He highlighted the initiatives aimed at crime prevention, enhanced police visibility, and ensuring neighborhood safety during a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

In July, the PNP executed 5,526 anti-drug operations, leading to the arrest of 6,368 individuals and the seizure of illegal drugs valued at over PHP387 million. Additionally, the PNP's campaign against wanted persons resulted in the arrest of 8,199 individuals, including 2,352 most wanted persons and 5,847 other wanted individuals.

Furthermore, the PNP's anti-smuggling efforts involved 2,927 operations against economic offenses. These actions led to the arrest of 656 individuals and the confiscation of cash and various articles worth more than PHP628 million.