Philippine National Police Records Significant Drop in Focus Crimes for January 2026
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has announced a substantial 24.32 percent decline in focus crimes across the country during January 2026, marking a positive development in national law enforcement efforts. In a press conference held on Monday, February 2, 2026, PNP Chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. revealed that a total of 2,449 focus crimes were documented nationwide from January 1 to 31, 2026.
This figure represents a significant reduction of 787 cases compared to the 3,236 incidents recorded during the same period in 2025. Focus crimes encompass serious offenses including murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, and the carnapping of motor vehicles and motorcycles.
Detailed Breakdown of Crime Reduction
Among the various offenses, rape cases demonstrated the most dramatic decrease, plummeting from 848 cases in January 2025 to just 331 cases in January 2026—a remarkable 60.97 percent reduction. Murder cases also showed improvement, declining from 316 to 264 incidents during the same comparative periods.
"These figures tell us one thing, our communities are becoming safer," stated General Nartatez during the press briefing. "This is not an overnight result, but the product of the sustained efforts of our police officers nationwide. When crime goes down, it indicates that what we are doing is having a positive impact."
Addressing Police Misconduct and Accountability
Despite the encouraging crime statistics, General Nartatez expressed disappointment regarding recent incidents involving police personnel engaged in criminal activities. He emphasized that despite the government's substantial support through increased salaries, allowances, and enhanced capabilities via capital outlay funding, some officers continue to violate the law.
"Of course, we are also saddened. We are disappointed despite all the morale-boosting measures given to us, especially by our President Ferdinand Marcos," Nartatez explained. "He increased our salaries and allowances, enhanced our capabilities through the allocation of funds, particularly the capital outlay. We are grateful, yet despite all of that, there are still [issues]. If we look at the data, it's actually a small number, but it's still saddening that there are some."
The PNP Chief provided specific examples of recent police misconduct:
- Six police personnel from the Manila Police District Drug Enforcement Group were arrested for alleged involvement in a robbery case in Makati City
- A policeman is being implicated in the killing of his police wife and their eight-year-old son
- A Manila police officer was identified as the alleged mastermind in the kidnapping of a ride-hailing driver with carnapping and robbery over the weekend
- A policeman is being considered in the brutal killing of another police personnel in Malolos, Bulacan
Nartatez firmly assured the public that "there will be no whitewashing on police personnel involved in illegal activities," vowing to hold them fully accountable for their actions through both legal and internal disciplinary mechanisms.
Strong Stance Against Domestic Violence
During his first flag raising ceremony as a full-fledged four-star police chief, General Nartatez reiterated the PNP's firm position against domestic violence. This statement followed an incident where a police corporal assigned to the Sapangdalaga Municipal Police Station in Misamis Occidental was accused of abusing his wife and child.
"The PNP takes all domestic violence allegations very seriously," Nartatez declared. "As police officers, our personnel should serve as role models in observing them and to ensure that they are enforced well. The PNP has no room for any person who deliberately inflicts harm on anybody, much more his own family. As law enforcers, we should serve and protect the people, not to threaten or harm them."
Based on initial investigation, the police corporal was arrested on January 19 by Rizal Municipal Police Station personnel in Zamboanga del Norte following a warrant issued by a Dapitan City family court for alleged violations of Republic Act 9262, the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act.
The complaint was filed by the corporal's legal wife, who accused him of threatening physical harm and inflicting psychological abuse on her and their child. The PNP has assured that the wife and child involved in the case are receiving comprehensive support including access to VAWC desks, legal assistance, medical care, and psychosocial services.
"If the allegations are proven true, the involved police officer will be held accountable in accordance with the law and our internal disciplinary mechanisms," Nartatez emphasized. "No one is above the law, not even a police officer."
Emphasis on Professional Responsibility and Support Systems
General Nartatez concluded his remarks with a strong reminder to police personnel nationwide about their professional and moral responsibilities. He urged officers experiencing personal or family difficulties to seek assistance through proper channels including counseling services, peer support programs, and mental health initiatives available within the organization.
"We urge our personnel who are experiencing personal or family problems to seek help through proper channels—counseling, peer support, or our mental health programs," Nartatez advised. "Violence is never a solution."
The PNP's dual approach—celebrating reduced crime rates while addressing internal discipline issues—reflects the organization's commitment to both public safety and institutional integrity as it continues its law enforcement mission throughout the Philippines.
