The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday, May 26, ordered all regional and local units to sustain aggressive anti-criminality operations and increase boots on the ground despite a major drop in crime rates nationwide.

PNP Chief, Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. issued the directive following a nearly 16 percent decline in focus crimes under the government’s ongoing Safer Cities initiative.

The deployment strategy shifts the law enforcement focus from reactive responses to proactive community policing.

By flooding crime-prone areas and transport hubs with uniform personnel, the PNP aims to permanently choke off criminal opportunities rather than just managing incidents after they occur.

Data from the PNP showed that focus crime incidents fell from more than 4,400 cases recorded between February 22 and April 5 to below 3,800 cases from April 6 to May 18.

"This 16 percent drop is not a temporary dip but the direct result of institutionalized reforms, data-driven deployments, and strict resource accountability," Nartatez said.

"We are ensuring sustainability by maximizing our logistics so that funding directly serves police operations and keeps boots on the ground where they are needed most," he added.

Among the biggest decreases recorded during this period were rape cases, which plunged by 40 percent. Carjacking incidents dropped by 28 percent, while physical injuries fell by nearly 26 percent. Reductions were also monitored in robbery, theft, homicide, and murder incidents.

Nartatez reminded police personnel to remain disciplined despite the lower crime figures.

“To our men and women in uniform, I commend your dedication under the Safer Cities initiative but this is not the time to become complacent. Professionalism, discipline, and integrity are operational necessities, and we must sustain this momentum through visible, proactive community policing,” he said.