Manila: Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Thursday commended the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) law enforcement efforts, which resulted in a 9.72 percent drop in index crimes or crimes against persons and property in 2024.
According to Philippines News Agency, Remulla, in his message read by National Police Commission vice chair Ricardo Bernabe during the celebration of the PNP’s 34th foundation anniversary at Camp Crame, said the PNP’s heightened police visibility and collaborative efforts with various sectors brought the index crime volume down to 34,841 last year, compared to 38,404 in 2023. Classified as focus crimes are murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, theft, robbery, vehicle theft, and motorcycle theft.
He commended the police force’s efforts in bringing down cybercrime cases. “Likewise, through constant monitoring, detection, protection, and mitigation of cybersecurity issues, cybercrimes also dropped by 31.8 percent, with 14,529 reports in 2024 as compared to 21,300 in 2023,” Remulla said.
Remulla, meanwhile, called on the police force to strengthen its efforts to ensure peace and order amid the emergence of more complex threats. He said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. “fully supports the whole police force in undertaking its mandate to serve and protect the people.”
“As we celebrate the foundation of the PNP, may today be a reminder of the pride and honor we bring to our country whenever we fulfill our duties with integrity, honesty, and excellence. Together, we can contribute to the aspirations of a Bagong Pilipinas that is safe, secure, peaceful, and progressive,” Remulla said.
He also cited the PNP’s relentless internal cleansing efforts, “resolving cases involving rogue cops to maintain our organization’s integrity and the people’s trust.” Remulla said the PNP is facing “heavier tasks” this year, necessitating the organization’s “greater commitment and stronger resolve.”
“The 2025 midterm elections are drawing near, and we have to ensure the orderly conduct of the polls. Let us diligently monitor areas in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region and Muslim Mindanao or BARMM as they will be conducting their first autonomous elections,” Remulla said.
PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said the force remains steadfast in its role as a “partner in fostering a government rooted in integrity, unity, and progress.” “Let us move forward together as one PNP, one country, united in our mission to serve and protect, and dedicated to creating a safer, more peaceful, and prosperous nation,” the country’s top cop said.
