19/02/2025
PNP REPORTS CRIME DROP BY 26.76%; HIGHLIGHTS SOCIAL MEDIA'S IMPACT
While some crimes have gained more visibility on social media, official records from all 17 police regional offices indicate a notable decline in the country’s overall crime rate, according to Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Police General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil.
PNP records show a 26.76% drop in focus crimes, from 4,817 cases between January 1 and February 14, 2024, to 3,528 cases in the same period in 2025. Focus crimes include theft, robbery, r**e, murder, homicide, physical injury, and carnapping of motorcycles and motor vehicles.
Among these, r**e recorded the most significant decline, plummeting by 50.6%—from 1,261 cases in early 2024 to 623 cases this year. Year-on-year data also reflects a 7.31% decrease in focus crimes, with 41,717 incidents recorded in 2023 compared to 38,667 in 2024.
“These figures reflect our firm commitment to ensuring safer communities. The data speaks for itself—crime is going down. Our strategic efforts, public cooperation, and the use of technology are making a real impact," Gen. Marbil stated.
The PNP Chief emphasized that these improvements align with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s vision of a safer and more secure Philippines. He noted that the PNP is fully committed to supporting the administration’s goal of enhancing public safety through proactive law enforcement and community engagement.
He attributed these gains to sustained law enforcement efforts, including heightened police visibility in high-crime areas, intensified intelligence and investigative operations to dismantle criminal networks, and the expanded use of digital platforms and surveillance technologies to enhance crime detection and response.
Additionally, he emphasized the importance of strengthened community collaboration, which has played a vital role in crime prevention.
“Hindi lang tayo basta rumiresponde sa krimen, aktibo tayong kumikilos upang pigilan ito bago pa mangyari at may mga kababayan tayong mabiktima. Ang PNP ay gumagamit na ng mga makabagong teknolohiya para paghandaan ang anuman o sinumang nagbabalak umabuso at manamantala,” binigyang-diin ni Gen. Marbil.
The top cop also highlighted social media’s dual role—increasing public awareness of crime while serving as a vital tool for detection, prevention, and resolution.
“Maaaring mas tila marami ang mga krimen dahil kumakalat ito online, ngunit ang mga platapormang ito ay tumutulong din sa pagpapabilis ng mga imbestigasyon at paghahatid ng hustisya sa mga kriminal. Hinihikayat namin ang publiko na gamitin sa tama ang social media—bilang isang kasangkapan para sa kaligtasan, hindi kalituhan," he added.
Gen. Marbil urged citizens to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and support law enforcement efforts to maintain peace and order.