Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) has announced a notable nationwide reduction in crime incidents for January 2026, showcasing an enhanced police presence and targeted operations.
According to Philippines News Agency, PNP records indicate a total of 2,449 crime incidents in January, marking a 24.32 percent decrease from the 3,236 incidents reported during the same month in 2025.
Focus crime categories showed a downward trend, with murder cases reducing from 316 to 284, homicides from 104 to 83, physical injuries from 409 to 283, rape cases from 848 to 331, theft from 1,020 to 981, motor vehicle carnapping from 25 to 17, and motorcycle carnapping from 189 to 144.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. credited this improvement to the Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO) initiative, part of the PNP Focused Agenda. This strategy emphasizes improved supervision, clear directives for field units, and expedited police response.
During a press briefing at Camp Crame, Nartatez stated, "Hindi lang namin tinitingnan ang bilang ng mga operasyon o nahuhuli. Mahalaga sa amin kung nararamdaman ng mga tao na mas ligtas ang kanilang komunidad. Kapag bumababa ang krimen, indikasyon ito na may positibong epekto ang aming ginagawa (We don't just look at the number of operations or arrests. It's important to us that people feel that their community is safer. When crime decreases, it is an indication that we are having a positive impact)."
Nartatez assured the public that police units across the nation will continue to bolster patrols, enhance community coordination, and strictly monitor police performance to maintain this positive trend.
In January, the PNP executed 4,491 operations, resulting in 5,062 arrests and the seizure of various illegal drugs, including approximately 39 kilograms of shabu, over 575,000 dried marijuana leaves, more than 1.5 million marijuana plants, over 3,100 kush marijuana plants, along with small amounts of cocaine and ecstasy. The total estimated value of the confiscated drugs surpassed PHP651 million.
In addition, the PNP carried out 688 anti-smuggling operations, apprehending 436 individuals and seizing smuggled goods valued at almost PHP1.95 billion.
