The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced a substantial nationwide decrease in criminal activity for the year 2025, marking a positive trend in public safety. Official data shows a 12.40 percent overall decline in crime incidents compared to the previous year.
Major Crimes See Significant Decreases
According to a statement released on January 3, 2025, the PNP documented a total of 35,717 crime incidents throughout the year. This figure is notably lower than the 40,771 incidents recorded in 2024. The reduction was observed across most major crime categories, with some posting dramatic improvements.
The most significant drop was registered in rape cases, which plummeted by 22.68 percent. The number of incidents fell from 9,910 in 2024 to 7,662 in 2025. Carnapping of motor vehicles followed, with a 20.18 percent decrease from 332 to 265 cases.
Detailed Breakdown of Crime Statistics
Other serious crimes also saw considerable reductions:
- Murder decreased by 17.80%, from 4,151 to 3,412 cases.
- Homicide incidents dropped by 14.98%, from 1,268 to 1,078.
- Physical injury cases went down by 13.98%, from 5,593 to 4,811.
- Robbery fell by 11.87%, from 4,136 to 3,645 cases.
- Theft recorded a 4.31% decrease, from 13,232 to 12,662 cases.
PNP Leadership Credits Strategy and Public Cooperation
PNP Acting Chief, Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., expressed optimism that this downward trend would continue into 2026. He emphasized that public safety remains the agency's top priority.
"The crime reduction is the result of a sustained and whole-of-government effort," Nartatez stated. He pointed to intelligence-driven operations, intensified police visibility, and stronger coordination with local governments and communities as key factors.
Nartatez also highlighted the crucial role of citizen participation. "Kapag nagtutulungan ang pulis at mamamayan, mas epektibo ang crime prevention (When the police and citizens work together, crime prevention is more effective). The cooperation of communities played a crucial part in achieving this decline," he said.
Focus on Sustained Safety and Public Trust
Looking forward, the PNP plans to strengthen data-driven policing, preventive patrols, and faster response times. Nartatez underscored that strict internal cleansing and discipline enforcement are central to maintaining public trust.
He concluded with a focus on the human aspect of security: "Ang tunay na sukatan ng safety ay kung nararamdaman ng tao ang seguridad sa kanilang araw-araw na buhay... (The true measure of safety is whether people feel secure in their everyday lives...). We will remain vigilant, proactive, and responsive. Public safety is not just a number but a lived reality for every Filipino."
