THE nationwide crime rate dropped by 30.43 percent in June compared to the same period in 2025, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday, citing a significant decline in focus crime incidents across the country.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. reported that 2,138 focus crime incidents were recorded in June, down from 3,073 cases logged during the same month last year.
The figure reflects a decrease of 935 incidents, which the PNP attributed to sustained police operations and increased visibility nationwide.
Focus crimes include murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, motor vehicle theft, and motorcycle theft.
Among the recorded improvements, carnapping of motor vehicles posted the steepest decline, dropping by 66.67 percent. Rape cases also went down by 57.25 percent, while physical injuries decreased by 40.15 percent, according to police data.
“These results reflect the continuing impact of our intensified police operations, increased police visibility, focused crime prevention strategies, and the strong partnership we continue to build with our local government units, partner agencies, and the communities we serve,” Nartatez said.
Aside from the decline in focus crimes, the PNP also reported gains in several law enforcement campaigns during the same month.
In anti-drug operations, police conducted 5,298 operations that led to the arrest of 6,085 individuals and the confiscation of illegal drugs with a total value exceeding P435 million.
The campaign against wanted persons resulted in the arrest of 7,923 individuals, including 2,294 most wanted persons and 5,629 other wanted individuals.
Meanwhile, the anti-smuggling drive led to 2,517 operations, resulting in 665 arrests and the confiscation of cash and other items valued at more than P1 billion.
In the campaign against loose firearms, authorities arrested 1,079 individuals, while 3,779 firearms were either surrendered or confiscated, and 681 firearms were voluntarily deposited with the PNP for safekeeping.
Authorities have ordered a deeper investigation into smuggling operations, directing law enforcement units to identify not only those involved in the physical handling of contraband but also those behind its financing, transport, storage, and distribution.
Officials said investigators have been instructed to trace the full network of individuals responsible for the illegal trade and ensure that all participants are held accountable.
Police units were also directed to strengthen coordination with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and other government agencies to tighten enforcement against smuggling activities.
In a related development, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Monday reported the seizure of P40.30 million worth of illegal drugs and the arrest of 52 suspects in nationwide operations conducted from June 25 up to the present.
PDEA said a total of 49 operations were carried out during the period, 35 of which were buy-bust operations targeting suspected drug personalities.
All arrested suspects will face charges for violations of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.
The operations also led to the confiscation and eradication of various illegal drugs and plant sources.
Authorities reported the uprooting of 2,459.53 marijuana plants and the eradication of 28,800 marijuana seedlings.
Law enforcers also seized 5,023.84 grams of shabu, 2,385.00 grams of Ecstasy, and 2,100 grams of dried marijuana leaves during the same period.
Authorities said efforts will continue to focus on dismantling drug networks and preventing the entry and spread of illegal drugs in communities nationwide.
Photo courtesy of Philippine Star
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