Police regained their right to brag after crime data revealed a reduction in crime volume in Metro Manila and other urban areas since the implementation of the Safer Cities Initiative.

And it was indeed a sigh of relief especially that the local ordinance implementation took severe beatings on social media after the apprehension of a topless man in Mandaluyong City went viral.

The decline in crime volume like murder, homicide and especially physical injuries was what prompted Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), to order all police commanders in Metro Manila and urban areas to sustain the momentum.

But first, Nartatez said ground commanders and personnel must be commended first for a job well done and focusing on their job despite distractions that include social media bashing.

“Your efforts are highly valued by the organization. The heightened police presence and operations have helped reduce street crimes and instill discipline among residents in urban areas,” said Nartatez.

“The intensified police visibility and preemptive actions have delivered results in lowering crimes against persons. Now we will shift greater operational focus on property crimes to ensure balanced and sustained crime reduction,” he added.

Data from the police showed that from March 28 to April 5, 2026 (pre-implementation period) and April 6 to April 14, 2026 (post-implementation period), authorities reported a significant decline in focus on crimes against persons.

The PNP said that murder cases went down by 9.8 percent, from 91 cases to 82, while homicide dropped by 39.3 percent, from 28 cases to 17.

On the other hand, physical injury cases decreased by 22.7 percent, from 132 cases to 102, while the number of rape incidents also went down by 22.9 percent, from 96 cases to 74.

But Nartatez acknowledged that the PNP has to do more to cover other criminal incidents that recorded a slight increase such as robbery and theft cases.

He said real time monitoring and review are being conducted for immediate security adjustments and interventions.

Nartatez urged the public to strictly abide by local ordinances and follow instructions from authorities to maximize the effectiveness of the Safer Cities program.

“We are committed to sustaining or even exceeding our gains in implementing this program. The PNP will double its efforts to ensure that we will not lose momentum in this fight against street crimes,” he said.