PNP: Major crimes down 12% under intensified Safer Cities Initiative

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported a 12% decline in major crimes nationwide following the intensified rollout of the Safer Cities Initiative, which began on April 6 to strengthen anti-criminality operations in urban and high-risk areas.

In a statement on Sunday, the PNP said data from the April 6 to May 6 monitoring period showed focus crime incidents dropping from 3,047 to 2,684 cases, or 363 fewer incidents overall.

Several focus crimes recorded significant decreases during the period.

Rape cases fell by 25.4%, from 519 to 387, while physical injuries declined by 24.3%, from 489 to 370.

Homicide cases dropped by 14.1%, from 99 to 85, while theft incidents decreased by 5%, from 1,066 to 1,014.

Murder and robbery cases both went down by 7.4%, with murder cases decreasing from 339 to 314 and robbery cases from 363 to 336.

The PNP also reported high Crime Clearance Efficiency (CCE) and improved Crime Solution Efficiency (CSE) for the eight focus crimes.

During the latest monitoring period, CCE stood at 87.15%, while CSE improved to 68.19% from the previous 64.92%.

This indicated strengthened investigative efforts, evidence gathering, case buildup, and coordination with prosecutors and witnesses.

“The decline in focus crimes is the result of the continuous work of our police across the country, along with the support of communities and local government units,” PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in Filipino.

“We will not stop until the people feel more secure in their areas,” he added. /mcm