The Davao City Police Office reported a 28.42% decline in incidents under its eight focus crimes during the first half of 2026, with cases dropping from 292 in the same period last year to 209 this year, according to data presented by the office.
Significant drops in theft, rape, and physical injury
Theft remained the most reported crime but fell 20.19%, from 104 cases to 83. Rape cases saw a sharp 48.28% decrease, dropping from 87 to 45. Physical injury cases declined from 48 to 26, robbery from 29 to 25, murder from 15 to 14, and homicide fell from 4 to 0.
However, motorcycle carnapping increased from 8 to 11 cases, while carnapping of other vehicles remained at zero.
Police attribute decline to sustained operations and public support
Maj. Ma. Teresita Maria Gaspan, DCPO spokesperson, credited the reduction to sustained police interventions and active community participation. "Gi-maintain ug gina-sustain nato ang mga police intervention para batokan ning mga krimen. And of course, ang crime prevention dili lang trabaho sa pulis, dili lang trabaho sa AFP, dili lang trabaho sa law enforcement agencies; it's a shared responsibility. Lahat tayo may responsibility sa atoang personal security," Gaspan said during the Davao Peace and Security press briefing on July 1, 2026.
She added that the decline reflects cooperation from communities and institutions. "Ang pagkunhod niini ma-attribute pud nato sa kooperasyon sa community, especially sa mga intervention ug best practices nga nagpadayon hangtod karon. Dako ang partisipasyon sa community ug sa matag institution aron mapadayon nato ang pagsunod sa atong gitawag nga eight focus crimes," she said.
Ongoing security measures in schools and communities
Gaspan noted that the DCPO continues to strengthen security measures in schools following recent incidents outside the city, while maintaining police visibility, preventive patrols, and partnerships with communities to sustain the downward crime trend across Davao City.
