MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has recorded a 12% decline in focus crimes nationwide following the intensified implementation of the “Safer Cities Initiative.” According to data released on Sunday, May 10, 2026, the total number of major crime incidents fell from 3,047 to 2,684 during the monitoring period of April 6 to May 6, 2026.
The initiative, launched by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on April 6, 2026, focuses on strengthening police visibility and enforcing local ordinances in urban and high-risk areas.
Breakdown of Crime Statistics (April 6 – May 6, 2026)
The PNP reported significant reductions across nearly all “focus crimes,” which include offenses against persons and property.
| Crime Type | Previous Period | Latest Period | Percentage Change |
| Rape | 519 | 387 | -25.4% |
| Physical Injury | 489 | 370 | -24.3% |
| Homicide | 99 | 85 | -14.1% |
| Murder | 339 | 314 | -7.4% |
| Robbery | 363 | 336 | -7.4% |
| Theft | 1,066 | 1,014 | -5.0% |
Beyond the reduction in incidents, PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. highlighted improvements in the police force’s ability to resolve cases.
- Crime Clearance Efficiency (CCE): Remained high at 87.15%, indicating that the majority of cases have identified suspects and filed complaints.
- Crime Solution Efficiency (CSE): Improved to 68.19%, up from the previous 64.92%, reflecting more effective evidence gathering and coordination with witnesses and prosecutors.
The “Safer Cities” program aims to create a “feeling of safety” through the strict enforcement of “discipline-based” local laws:
- Ordinance Enforcement: Intensified patrolling to enforce 10:00 PM curfews for minors, bans on public drinking, and restrictions on late-night videoke sessions.
- Increased Visibility: Enhanced deployment of personnel in high-traffic areas such as transport hubs, malls, and public parks.
- LGU Coordination: Closer collaboration with Local Government Units and barangay tanods to monitor neighborhood-level criminal activity.
“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. We will not stop until the people feel more secure in their areas.” — Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., PNP Chief
While the national average showed a 12% drop, specific regions reported even sharper declines. The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) recently noted a 23% decrease in crimes within Metro Manila for early May, specifically crediting the “Safer City” patrol models for a massive 74% drop in reported rape cases in the capital.