The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported a continued decline in crime incidents despite acknowledging that some shooting and killing cases have become “sensational” due to public attention.

Speaking at Camp Crame on Monday, August 3, PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said gun-related incidents often gain widespread attention because of social media exposure or when the victims involved are prominent personalities.

However, based on the PNP’s data on focus crimes, Nartatez said incidents have decreased by 36.12%, or 1,249 fewer cases, in July this year compared with the same period in 2025.

Nartatez said the increased visibility of violent incidents poses a challenge for police investigators to immediately resolve cases and identify those responsible.

“Mas gusto natin sa Philippine National Police na magsensationalize or mailabas ‘yung mga insidente na ito lalo’t lalong nanggaling ito sa social media, nanggaling ito sa PNP press, at naibabalita kaagad sa amin. Mas maganda ito. The challenge for every police officer is to have investigative solutions,” Nartatez said.

Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte earlier expressed concern over the rising cases of gun violence in the country.

Duterte said these incidents should not simply be dismissed as social media “clickbait.”