President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has underscored the need for enhanced collaboration between national and local government units to effectively curb criminal activities and expedite emergency response procedures. Speaking at the inaugural Joint National Peace and Order Council (NPOC) and Regional Peace and Order Councils (RPOC) Meeting for 2026, held at Malacañan Palace in Manila on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, Marcos called for a unified approach to public safety.
Strengthening Coordination for Public Safety
The meeting convened national and regional leaders to align strategies and assess the current peace and order situation across the country. Marcos emphasized the importance of a whole-of-government approach to enhance community resilience and responsive governance. In a Facebook post, he stated, "At the joint National Peace and Order Council Meeting, we strengthened coordination between national and local governments to keep crime down and respond faster in emergencies."
Leveraging Technology and Community Engagement
Discussions during the meeting focused on maximizing the use of technology and strengthening community involvement as key deterrents to crime. Marcos highlighted strategies such as expanding technological applications and engaging communities in crime prevention efforts. He added, "We discussed strategies, such as expanding the use of technology and engaging communities in deterring crime. We want to ensure that people feel safe, stable and secure."
Crime Statistics Show Improvement
The Philippine National Police reported a significant decline in crime incidents in 2025, with 35,717 cases recorded, representing a 12.45 percent decrease from the 40,771 cases in 2024. This reduction was driven by a notable drop in focus crimes, including murder, homicide, rape, physical injury, theft, robbery, and motor vehicle theft.
The Joint NPOC-RPOC Meeting serves as a platform for national and regional leaders to discuss pressing peace and security concerns and develop coordinated responses to ensure the safety and security of all Filipinos.
