Crime incidents across the country’s eight focus crimes declined by 20.6% in the second quarter of 2026 following the implementation of the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) Safer Cities Initiative, reflecting the gains of intensified law enforcement and community-based policing efforts nationwide, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported on Thursday.

Speaking during the DILG Kapihan: Talakayan sa Komunidad at Pamahalaang Lokal held at the Quezon City Reception House in New Manila, Quezon City, PNP Public Information Office Chief PCol. Allen Rae Co said cases involving the eight focus crimes fell by 1,623, from 9,506 recorded between January 6 and April 5, 2026 to 7,883 cases from April 6 to July 4, 2026. Among the crimes that posted the biggest declines were carnapping, rape, physical injury, and theft.

Implemented in April 2026, the DILG’s Safer Cities Initiative is a nationwide program that promotes safer, cleaner, and more orderly communities through intensified law enforcement, public discipline, and local government-led interventions to reduce crime and improve the quality of life of Filipinos.

“Sa programang ito ng ating DILG Secretary (Jonvic Remulla) na direct kami sa PNP ang nag-implement, we treat every event, every statistic, this data as an opportunity for us to further strengthen our system, our protocols,” Co said.

He said that while crimes continue to occur, the sustained decline in crime incidents reflects the positive impact of strengthened police visibility and consistent law enforcement at the community level.

During the same period, police apprehensions, arrests, and warnings increased by 21.74%, rising from 2.3 million to 2.8 million, reflecting stricter enforcement of local ordinances and public safety regulations. The largest increase was recorded in apprehensions for violations involving the wearing of balaclavas, which surged by 832% in areas with existing ordinances such as Manila. Cases involving excessive noise and karaoke violations beyond permitted hours also rose by 68.69%, while operations against illegal structures obstructing roads and public spaces increased by 50.69%.

“Malinaw na malinaw po na may direktang kaugnayan ang pagtaas ng ating mga apprehensions at pagbaba ng krimen. Habang tumataas ang pagpapatupad ng batas at ordinansa, bumababa naman ang mga naitatalang krimen sa ating mga komunidad,” Co said.

The PNP said heightened police visibility, sustained enforcement of laws and local ordinances, and community-based policing strategies have helped deter criminal activity while promoting greater public discipline. It reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining these efforts in partnership with local government units to keep communities safe, orderly, and secure for all Filipinos