The Philippine National Police (PNP) has reported a 26.76 percent decline in the country’s overall crime rate, citing strengthened law enforcement operations and active community participation as key factors behind the drop.
PNP Chief General Rommel Marbil announced on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, that focus crimes—which include murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, theft, robbery, and vehicle-related theft—fell to 3,528 cases from 4,817 during the same period last year.
Despite an increase in crime visibility on social media, official data from the 17 police regional offices confirm an overall decline in incidents. Among the most notable decreases was in rape cases, which dropped by 50.6 percent, from 1,261 cases in early 2024 to 623 cases this year.
Marbil attributed the improvement to enhanced police visibility, intensified intelligence operations, and the expanded use of digital platforms and surveillance technology. He also acknowledged the role of communities in crime prevention, emphasizing how social media serves as both a crime awareness and investigative tool.
“Crimes may seem more visible because they go viral on social media, but the same platforms help speed up investigations and bring criminals to justice. We encourage responsible reporting—use social media as a tool for safety, not panic,” Marbil said.
The PNP chief reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s vision of a safer Philippines, calling on citizens to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities to help maintain peace and order.
