PNP reports decline in crime rate for first 10 months of 2024

The Philippine National Police (PNP) recorded a significant decline in index crimes for the first 10 months of 2024, reflecting a 13.51 percent decrease compared to the same period last year.

In a press briefing at Camp Crame, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo reported that 30,322 index crime incidents were documented from January 1 to November 8, 2024, down from the 35,057 incidents recorded during the same period in 2023. 

Similarly, focus crimes—such as murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, theft, robbery, and vehicle and motorcycle theft—dropped by 13.52 percent, with 30,166 cases logged this year compared to 34,883 last year.

However, certain crimes saw slight increases. Motor vehicle theft rose by 1.42 percent, with 1,714 cases reported compared to 1,690 last year. Homicide cases also increased by 3.65 percent, rising to 995 incidents from 960 in 2023.

Fajardo also highlighted progress in addressing cybercrimes, noting a 5.75 percent drop in incidents in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the second quarter. 

Data from the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group showed 3,494 cybercrime cases recorded from July to September, down from 3,707 in the second quarter and 4,354 in the first quarter.

The decline in cybercrime, including online scams, was attributed to improved law enforcement and heightened public awareness. The PNP has committed to allocating more resources and enhancing its capabilities to combat cyber-related offenses.

Fajardo credited the overall decrease in crimes to various PNP initiatives, including intensified police visibility, intelligence-driven operations, community programs, partnerships with other agencies, and improved crime monitoring systems. 

She also underscored the directive of PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil to maintain the downward trend, particularly during the holiday season.

“Ang kaiblin-bilinan niya sa mga commanders is to strictly supervise yung ating mga tauhan sa baba dahil ang sinasabi ng ating chief PNP itong ating mga subordinates, yung ating mga foot patrols lalong-lalo na sila yung representation ng PNP. So, dapat makitaan sila na mismong sila ang tapat sa tungkulin kasi kung ano yung gagawin nung mga nasa baba nagre-reflect yan sa kabuuan ng PNP (The Chief PNP emphasized to commanders the need to strictly supervise ground personnel, especially foot patrols, as they represent the PNP. Their performance on the ground reflects the entire police force),” Fajardo said.

On illegal drugs, the PNP reported the arrest of 49,621 individuals in 40,351 operations from January 1 to November 2, 2024. These operations led to the seizure of illegal drugs valued at P19.29 billion.

Fajardo reiterated Gen. Marbil’s directive to strengthen the anti-drug campaign in close coordination with other law enforcement agencies, which aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s approach.

President Marcos recently convened officials from the PNP, Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to strategize on combating illegal drugs. 

Unlike his predecessor, Marcos has adopted a reformation-focused and bloodless strategy to address the drug problem, prioritizing prevention and rehabilitation.

These sustained efforts demonstrate the PNP’s commitment to ensuring public safety, reducing crime, and addressing the evolving challenges posed by cybercrime and illegal drugs.