The Police Regional Office in Davao Region (PRO-Davao) announced a substantial improvement in public safety, recording a 29.61 percent overall decrease in eight major focus crimes across the region in 2025 compared to the previous year.
Sharp Declines Across Major Crime Categories
Data released to the media details significant reductions in almost every category of focus crime from January to December 2025. The most dramatic drop was seen in robbery cases, which plummeted by 42.61 percent, from 176 cases in 2024 to just 101 in 2025.
Rape cases also fell sharply, declining by 38.71 percent from 589 to 361 cases. Incidents of motorcycle theft, or carnapping, decreased by 34.55 percent, with 36 cases compared to 55 the year before.
Other notable improvements include a 20.53 percent drop in physical injury cases (from 341 to 271) and a 14.22 percent reduction in murder cases (from 211 to 181). Homicide saw a modest 2.86 percent decrease. Only carnapping of vehicles other than motorcycles remained static, with four cases recorded in both years.
Police Aim to Maintain Downward Trend in 2026
With the start of the new year, PRO-Davao has set a clear goal: to further reduce these crime figures or, at a minimum, prevent any increase. Police Major Catherine Dela Rey, the PRO-Davao spokesperson, outlined this objective during the Kapehan sa Dabaw forum at SM City Dabaw on Monday, January 5, 2026.
“If it really can’t be reduced, at least the percentage should be lowered enough so that it matches a situation where there was no increase in the eight focus crimes,” Dela Rey stated, emphasizing the commitment to building on the previous year's success.
Broader Law Enforcement Operations Continue
Major Dela Rey added that the crime reduction effort is part of a sustained, multi-pronged campaign. PRO-Davao continues to actively pursue wanted persons across the region.
These operations are integral to the broader fight against illegal drugs, loose firearms, and illegal gambling. The police are also focused on apprehending both high-profile and non-high-profile fugitives to maintain order and security for Davao Region residents.
