PNP: Focus crimes down over 36% in July 2026

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday reported an over 36% decline in focus crimes in July 2026 compared with the same month last year. At a press briefing, PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said focus crime incidents dropped by 36.12%, from 3,458 cases recorded from July 1 to 31, 2025 to 2,209 cases during the same period in 2026. Focus crimes are offenses considered as serious in nature with sufficient frequency and regularity. These include murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, carnapping of motor vehicles, and carnapping of motorcycle. According to the PNP, all focus crime categories registered declines, with rape posting the biggest decrease at 56.93%, followed by motor vehicle carnapping at 46.15%, and motorcycle theft at 42.59%. Nartatez said the sustained decline reflects the continuing efforts of the PNP, local communities, and partner agencies to prevent crime, strengthen police visibility, and improve public safety. The PNP also reported accomplishments in its anti-criminality campaigns for July. In the campaign against illegal drugs, police conducted 5,526 operations that led to the arrest of 6,368 individuals. Authorities also seized illegal drugs with an estimated standard drug price of more than P387 million. Operations against wanted persons resulted in the arrest of 8,199 fugitives, including 2,352 most wanted persons and 5,847 other wanted individuals. Meanwhile, authorities arrested 965 violators in operations against loose firearms. Police said 3,724 firearms were captured, surrendered, or confiscated for violations of existing firearms laws, while another 1,106 firearms were voluntarily turned over to the PNP for safekeeping. The PNP also conducted 4,631 operations against illegal gambling, leading to the arrest of 9,401 individuals and the confiscation of cash and gambling paraphernalia worth more than P3.2 million. In its anti-smuggling drive, the PNP carried out 2,927 operations that resulted in the arrest of 656 individuals and the confiscation of illegal goods valued at more than P628 million. “These results reflect the continuing efforts of the PNP, together with our communities and partner agencies, to prevent crime, strengthen police visibility, and keep our neighborhoods safe,” Nartatez said. “The Philippine National Police remains steadfast in protecting lives, preserving peace and order, and upholding the rule of law,” he added. Source: GMA News Philippines