The observance of Holy Week nationwide was “generally peaceful,” according to Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief P/Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Monday, April 6.
During a press briefing, Nartatez said that while some incidents were recorded during the period, the overall number of focus crimes declined nationwide.
“Overall, the observance of our Holy Week..is generally peaceful. Except for some minor incident na nagawa naman natin imbestigahan. But basically, the peace and order, lalong-lalo na dito sa Metro Manila, napakatahimik,” Nartatez said.
Nartatez added that around 98,000 PNP personnel were deployed across the country during the week-long operations.
The PNP chief attributed the improved peace and order not only to police efforts but also to the cooperation of other law enforcement agencies, local government units (LGUs), and community stakeholders.
He highlighted that resources and manpower provided by LGUs, including patrol vehicles and the enforcement of local ordinances, were critical in ensuring public safety.
“It's all about the partnership of the law enforcement units as well as the community. We are doomed to fail pagkawala sila” Nartatez added.
According to the PNP, as of 6 p.m. on April 5, 2026, focus crimes declined by 23%, from 1,574 cases in 2025 to 1,207 in 2026, or 367 fewer incidents. Murder cases slightly decreased from 165 to 160, while homicide dropped from 65 to 49. Robbery cases went down from 157 to 153, while theft decreased from 508 to 443.
Comparing Holy Week 2026 (March 29 to April 5) with the previous week (March 21–28), PNP data showed a decrease of 153 incidents in focus crimes, or 23%. Vehicular accidents also dropped by 1,329 cases, or 28%.
Meanwhile, fire incidents increased by 16 cases, or 21%, while drowning incidents rose by 34, marking a 136% increase.
Despite the overall calm, a shooting incident was reported on Good Friday, April 3, in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, leaving two police officers and one Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) personnel dead.
