Manila: The nationwide crime rate dropped by 25.77 percent in May compared with the same period in 2025, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the police force recorded 2,149 focus crime incidents in May, down from 2,895 logged during the same period last year.

According to Philippines News Agency, focus crimes include murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, motor vehicle theft, and motorcycle theft. Gen. Nartatez noted a general decline in focus crime incidents over a five-month trend from January to May 2026, with May having the fewest incidents recorded during this period. The figures showed a drop from 3,094 incidents in January, 2,832 in February, 3,268 in March, and 2,877 in April, culminating in 2,149 incidents in May.

Nartatez stated that these statistics reflect the ongoing effectiveness of intensified police operations, enhanced visibility patrols, and stronger collaboration with communities and local government units. The "Safer Cities" initiative, launched by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on April 6, enforces local ordinances such as a 10 p.m. curfew for minors, a ban on public drinking, and restrictions on shirtless roaming and late-night videoke sessions.

In May alone, the PNP conducted 5,184 anti-illegal drug operations, leading to the arrest of 5,818 individuals and the seizure of illegal drugs valued at more than PHP614.5 million. The ongoing campaign against wanted persons resulted in the arrest of 6,621 fugitives, including 2,065 Most Wanted Persons and 4,556 Other Wanted Persons.

Under its anti-smuggling campaign, the PNP conducted 2,453 operations, which led to the arrest of 499 individuals and the confiscation of cash and other items worth PHP3.325 billion. In the campaign against loose firearms, a total of 1,027 individuals were arrested, while 3,323 firearms were surrendered or confiscated, and 518 firearms were deposited for safekeeping.