Crime-related videos and alarming reports are flooding social media, and are passed on so fast, it creates a perception that the country’s peace and order situation is deteriorating.
However, official data from the Philippine National Police (PNP) tells a different story. Contrary to the impression created online, the crime rate in the Philippines has actually dropped by 26.76 percent from Jan. 1 to Feb. 14, 2025.

According to PNP Chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil, while certain crimes gain more visibility through viral posts, official statistics from all 17 regional police offices paint a clearer picture — crime has significantly declined. From 4,817 cases recorded during the same period last year, only 3,528 incidents have been reported in 2025. Among the focus crimes — which include theft, robbery, rape, murder, homicide, physical injury, and carnapping —rape cases saw the most dramatic drop, falling by 50.6 percent from 1,261 cases last year to 623 cases this year.

The year-on-year data also supports this downward trend. From 41,717 recorded incidents in 2023, crime incidence decreased to 38,667 in 2024, representing a 7.31 percent decline in major crimes. These figures strongly indicate that the PNP’s strategic crime prevention initiatives, enhanced public cooperation, and advanced technological tools are yielding real and measurable results.

Marbil attributes the declining crime rate to a combination of heightened police visibility, intensified intelligence operations, and the use of modern technology. By deploying more officers in high-crime areas and dismantling criminal networks through intelligence-driven operations, law enforcement agencies are making it increasingly difficult for offenders to operate.

Furthermore, community collaboration has played a crucial role in this success. As Marbil puts it: “We are not just responding to crime,” we are working proactively to prevent it.” This proactive approach includes real-time data analysis, surveillance technologies, and crime-mapping software to predict and prevent crimes before they happen.

One key factor in crime deterrence has been the relentless pursuit of wanted criminals. In Metro Manila alone, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) arrested nearly 2,000 fugitives between Jan. 1 and Feb. 15. These arrests, conducted through intensified manhunt operations and cyber-patrolling, have significantly disrupted criminal activities, reducing opportunities for repeat offenses.

Despite these positive developments, the growing influence of social media has skewed public perception of crime. High-profile incidents such as hostage-takings, violent robberies, and street crimes often go viral, leading people to believe that such events are happening more frequently. However, Marbil urges the public to look beyond these isolated cases and focus on actual crime statistics.

Looking ahead, the PNP is set to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced surveillance technology to further reduce crime and improve law enforcement efficiency. On the planning board is a five-year development plan focused on integrating AI-driven tools into police operations. In his assumption speech in April 2024, Marbil vowed to place utmost importance on police community engagement that includes the use of emerging technology and social media.

With crime rates on a steady decline, the challenge now is to sustain these achievements. Crime prevention is ultimately a shared responsibility. The PNP will continue to intensify security measures, particularly during the election season, to ensure the safety of both political candidates and the public. But beyond police efforts, it is crucial for citizens to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and use social media responsibly.