MANILA — Focus crimes across the country dropped by more than one-third in July, with the Philippine National Police (PNP) recording a 36.12-percent decline from a year earlier as intensified law enforcement operations and increased police visibility helped drive down incidents of murder, robbery, rape, theft, and other major offenses.
PNP chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police recorded 2,209 focus crime cases from July 1 to 31, 2026, significantly lower than the 3,458 incidents logged during the same period in 2025.
Focus crimes include murder, homicide, physical injuries, rape, robbery, theft, and the carnapping of motor vehicles and motorcycles.
Police data showed that all focus crime categories registered declines during the period.
Rape cases posted the sharpest decrease at 56.93 percent, followed by carnapping of motor vehicles at 46.15 percent, while motorcycle theft fell by 42.59 percent.
Nartatez credited the improvement to intensified police operations, stronger coordination with local government units and communities, and heightened police visibility.
The PNP also reported gains in its nationwide anti-crime campaigns during July.
Anti-illegal drug operations reached 5,526, resulting in the arrest of 6,368 suspects and the seizure of illegal drugs worth more than P387 million based on standard drug prices.
Police likewise served warrants against 8,199 wanted persons, including 2,352 listed among the most wanted and 5,847 other fugitives.
In the campaign against illegal firearms, authorities arrested 965 violators and confiscated, recovered, or received the voluntary surrender of 4,830 firearms. Of the total, 3,724 firearms were confiscated, recovered, or surrendered for violations of gun laws, while another 1,106 were voluntarily deposited with the PNP for safekeeping.
The anti-illegal gambling drive yielded 4,631 operations, leading to the arrest of 9,401 individuals and the confiscation of more than P3.2 million worth of cash and gambling equipment.
Meanwhile, anti-smuggling operations reached 2,927, resulting in the arrest of 656 suspects and the seizure of smuggled goods valued at more than P628 million.
Nartatez said the figures underscore the PNP’s sustained commitment to reducing criminality and strengthening public safety nationwide.
“These results reflect the continuing efforts of the PNP, together with our communities and partner agencies, to prevent crime, strengthen police visibility, and keep our neighborhoods safe,” he said.
“The Philippine National Police remains steadfast in protecting lives, preserving peace and order, and upholding the rule of law,” he added./PN
