MANILA – The nationwide crime rate in the Philippines dropped by 30.43 percent in June compared to the same period in 2025, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced on Monday.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said that 2,138 focus crimes were recorded in June, down from 3,073 logged during the same period last year. This represents a decrease of 935 incidents, or 30.43 percent, Nartatez stated during a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City.
Focus Crimes and Key Reductions
Focus crimes include murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, motor vehicle theft, and motorcycle theft. Among these, carnapping of motor vehicles posted the biggest improvement with a 66.67 percent decrease, dropping from 27 cases to 9. Rape incidents fell by 57.25 percent, from 697 to 298, while physical injury cases declined by 40.15 percent, from 406 to 243.
“These results reflect the continuing impact of our intensified police operations, increased police visibility, focused crime prevention strategies, and the strong partnership we continue to build with our local government units, partner agencies, and the communities we serve,” Nartatez said.
Anti-Drug and Anti-Crime Operations
In June, the PNP conducted 5,298 anti-drug operations, resulting in the arrest of 6,085 individuals and the confiscation of illegal drugs with a total standard drug price exceeding PHP435 million. In the campaign against wanted persons, the PNP arrested 7,923 wanted individuals, including 2,294 most wanted persons and 5,629 other wanted persons.
Under its anti-smuggling campaign, the PNP conducted 2,517 operations against economic offenses, leading to the arrest of 665 individuals and the confiscation of cash and various articles valued at more than PHP1 billion. In the campaign against loose firearms, a total of 1,079 individuals were arrested, 3,779 firearms were either surrendered or confiscated, and 681 firearms were voluntarily deposited with the PNP for safekeeping.
Cigarette Smuggling in Cebu
The PNP has stepped up coordination with law enforcement agencies to dismantle the syndicate behind the seized PHP980 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in Cebu. The shipment was intercepted during a joint operation of the PNP and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) on July 2 at a private wharf facility in Mandaue City. Authorities recovered the illicit tobacco products from 25 units of 20-foot container vans.
“This will be an inter-agency investigation intended to unmask all those responsible in the smuggling attempt of these cigarettes into the country and to file necessary charges against them,” Nartatez said. He added that investigators have been directed to determine the people responsible for financing, transporting, storing, and distributing the contraband. He also ordered police units to strengthen coordination with the BOC and other concerned government agencies to ensure accountability.
PDEA Operations
In a related development, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) reported on Monday that authorities confiscated PHP40.30 million worth of illegal drugs and arrested 52 suspects in nationwide operations conducted from June 25 to the present. In a news release, the PDEA said it conducted 49 operations during the period, 35 of which were buy-bust operations. All suspects will face charges under Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.
“This week’s seizures are a testament to the effectiveness of strong coordination among law enforcement agencies. We will continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations to dismantle drug syndicates and bring offenders to justice,” said Director General Undersecretary Isagani Nerez.
During the operations, 2,459.53 marijuana plants were uprooted, while 5,023.84 grams of shabu, 2,385.00 grams of Ecstasy, and 2,100 grams of dried marijuana leaves were seized. Additionally, 28,800 marijuana seedlings were eradicated.
