Manila: The nationwide crime rate dropped by 41.77 percent in August, compared with the same period in 2025, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Tuesday. Eight focus crime categories registered 2,087 incidents in August 2026, compared with 3,584 in August 2025, representing 1,497 fewer reported cases, according to a news release.
According to Philippines News Agency, focus crimes are murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, motor vehicle theft, and motorcycle theft. Based on PNP data, carnapping of motor vehicles posted the highest decline at 67.74 percent, dropping from 31 cases in August 2025 to 10 this year. Rape cases decreased by 58.65 percent, from 769 to 318, while carnapping of motorcycles fell by 53.64 percent, from 220 to 102 cases. Physical injury cases likewise decreased by 46.83 percent, from 521 to 277, while theft dropped by 41.67 percent, from 1,315 to 767 cases. Robbery and homicide recorded decreases of 33.16 percent and 3.33 percent, respectively.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the figures reflect the value of sustained police presence and prevention efforts, while emphasizing that every remaining incident still calls for attention. 'Magandang makita ang pagbaba, pero hindi tayo dapat maging kampante. Every number represents a real situation involving people and communities. Kaya tuloy-tuloy ang trabaho natin (It's good to see the decline, but we shouldn't be complacent. Each number represents a real situation involving people and communities. So our work continues) -- prevent where we can, respond when needed, and make sure our police service remains present where people need it most,' he said.
On the fight against illegal drugs, the PNP said authorities seized PHP11.5 billion worth of substances and arrested 50,766 suspects during its nationwide campaign from January to August. In a separate statement, it noted that 43,383 anti-drug operations were conducted during the first eight months of the year, resulting in the arrest of 50,766 individuals. The confiscated items were approximately 1.36 million grams of suspected shabu, more than 3.61 million grams of dried marijuana leaves, and over 8.9 million marijuana plants, along with other prohibited substances. For August alone, police units carried out 5,306 operations and arrested 6,044 individuals, recovering illegal drugs with an estimated value of PHP599.89 million.
Meanwhile, the PNP chief assured the public that funds allocated for infrastructure projects will be properly utilized to strengthen police services nationwide. 'Police stations serve as the frontline of PNP services to the Filipino people, and we are committed to ensuring that all our facilities are accessible and presentable at all times as a symbol of the kind of service and protection that we deliver,' he said. The proposed PNP budget for 2027 amounts to PHP242.53 billion, higher than the P226.55 billion allocated this year. Nartatez said assessment of police stations and other facilities is ongoing, especially amid the adverse effects of the tropical cyclones and heavy rains the past weeks. The assessment will guide the allocation of resources for police stations that require construction, repair, or improvement. Nartatez said the budget allocations would also help the PNP raise the standard of its facilities to keep pace with police forces in other countries.
