The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported a 36% decrease in focus crimes nationwide in September 2026 compared with the same month last year.
According to data released by the PNP under Chief PGen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., a total of 2,063 focus crime cases were recorded in September 2026, down from 3,226 cases in September 2025.
From July to September 2026, the PNP recorded 7,233 focus crime cases, 3,063 fewer than the 10,296 cases reported during the same period in 2025.
Several crimes posted notable declines in September. Rape cases dropped to 309 from 723, theft decreased to 803 from 1,176, physical injury cases fell to 231 from 417, and robbery cases declined to 254 from 336.
Carnapping of motor vehicles also decreased from 26 to 11 cases, while carnapping of motorcycles dropped from 214 to 121. Homicide cases slightly declined from 97 to 92.
Meanwhile, murder cases increased by 2.11%, from 237 in September 2025 to 242 cases in September 2026.
The PNP attributed the overall decline to sustained police visibility, focused crime-prevention operations, timely police response, and continued coordination with local government units and communities.
The police force also cited the implementation of its Focused Agenda, particularly the Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO), under its “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman” thrust.
“The decrease is the result of different efforts coming together—our personnel staying visible, communities reporting concerns, and police units acting on information and incidents as they come,” Nartatez said.
He emphasized that the figures would not prompt the PNP to become complacent in carrying out its mandate, particularly in maintaining police visibility in areas where crimes continue to occur.
Nartatez said police units have also been directed to strengthen monitoring activities and closely track local crime patterns to help prevent and immediately address potential criminal activities.
