PNP: Focus crimes dropped by 29.75% in Q3 2026 compared to Q3 2025

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said it has recorded a 29.75% decline in focus crimes over the 3rd quarter – July to September 2026 – compared to the same period in 2025

Focus crimes are offenses considered serious in nature and occur with sufficient frequency and regularity. These include murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, carnapping of motor vehicles, and carnapping of motorcycles.

At a press briefing, PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said data showed that 7,233 cases were recorded during the three months, down from 10,296 cases in the same period in 2025.

“The overall crime situation continues to improve. With eight focus crimes, posting a clear decline in 2026 compared with the last year,” he said.

“From July to September this year, we recorded 7,233 cases, a decrease of 3,000 cases from the 10,296 recorded during the same period last year. It is 29.75% lower,” he added.

In September alone, focus crime cases fell by 36% to 2,063 from 3,226 a year earlier.

The PNP said the decline showed its sustained police operations and other crime prevention programs.

Also, the PNP reported intensified operations against organized criminal groups and repeat offenders.

In September, the PNP conducted 3,140 anti-smuggling operations, resulting in 564 arrests and the confiscation of smuggled goods and other items estimated at P1.36 billion.

The PNP also reported 8,447 arrests of wanted persons during the month, including 2,254 most wanted individuals.

Authorities likewise continued their campaign against loose firearms, which the PNP identified as one of the factors contributing to crimes such as murder, homicide, physical injuries, and robbery.

During the period, 979 people were arrested, while 6,381 firearms were accounted for and another 913 were turned over for safekeeping. –NB, GMA News