PNP Chief Firmly Rejects Allegations of Vigilante Killings in the Philippines
In a strong rebuttal on Monday, March 2, 2026, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. categorically denied assertions that vigilante killings persist under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. During a press conference, Nartatez emphasized that every death-related crime in the country is thoroughly investigated, regardless of its connection to illegal drugs or other factors.
Investigation of All Death Cases Assured
Nartatez stated, "Give us the data and we will respond, but as far as the PNP is concerned, every death is being investigated, whether it is unsolved or not. We are continuously working on these cases. Many unsolved cases pertain to operations by law enforcement, not just the PNP, and we conduct motu proprio investigations leading to the filing of cases. This is not a sham; it involves administrative and criminal cases. I assure you that every death case is being investigated. No vigilante killings exist—otherwise, provide us with the data."
This statement came in response to claims made during the International Criminal Court's confirmation of charges hearings. Nicholas Kaufman, defense counsel for former President Rodrigo Duterte, cited a report from the University of the Philippines' Dahas Project, indicating that 160 out of 342 killings in the first year of the Marcos administration involved state agents. The report noted an increase from 342 to 362 killings from July 2023 to June 2024, with 34% attributed to state agents.
In light of these allegations, Nartatez has directed the Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management to review the cited report.
Significant Decline in Focus Crimes Reported
Meanwhile, Nartatez highlighted a notable 25% decrease in focus crimes from January to February 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. From January 1 to February 28, 2026, 4,532 focus crimes—including murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, theft, and carnapping—were recorded, marking a reduction of 1,549 cases from the 6,081 reported in early 2025.
Key statistics from the report include:
- Rape cases plummeted by 61.29%, from 1,563 in the first two months of 2025 to 605 in 2026.
- Murder cases declined by 13.82%.
- From February 1 to 28, 2026, 2,192 operations against most wanted persons were conducted nationwide.
- Illegal drugs worth P6.5 billion were confiscated during 4,357 operations.
PNP Strategy and Future Enhancements
Nartatez attributed the crime reduction to the PNP's focused agenda of denying crime occurrences and increasing arrests. He explained, "Our strategy involves continuously denying the occurrence of crimes and boosting arrests, especially of wanted persons. We are improving our responses to swiftly apprehend individuals involved in focus crimes and enhancing our capabilities through mobility and communications upgrades."
To bolster immediate response to incidents, the PNP is enhancing its mobility and communications infrastructure. In March 2026, 700 motorcycles will be deployed across the country as part of this mobility enhancement, particularly for tourist police ahead of the summer vacation season.
This comprehensive approach underscores the PNP's commitment to maintaining law and order while addressing external criticisms head-on.
