Mas Ligtas ang Pilipinas? PNP Reports Major 24% Crime Drop in January 2026
Good news para sa lahat — the Philippines kicked off 2026 on a significantly safer note, with the Philippine National Police (PNP) reporting a major 24.32-percent drop in the national crime rate for January 2026 compared to the same month a year ago. PNP chief Gen. Jose Erwin Panta made the announcement during a press briefing at Camp Crame, presenting comparative data that showed focus crimes falling from 3,266 incidents in January 2025 to just 2,449 in January 2026 — a reduction of 787 cases in just one month.
The PNP attributed the improvement to several key factors: better police supervision, clearer direction given to field units, and faster police response times across the board. More police officers were deployed in high-risk areas, and intensified visibility patrols — particularly in Metro Manila — were credited as a major deterrent against street crimes. Metro Manila alone saw a 24-percent decline in its crime rate in the first 20 days of 2026, according to separate data released earlier.
The figures also compare favorably against December 2025, which logged 2,594 cases — meaning January 2026 showed a further month-on-month improvement of 5.59 percent. Security analysts noted that the consistent decline suggests structural improvements in police deployment and community cooperation, rather than just a one-time seasonal effect. Ang pulis, mas aktibo sa kalsada — and the numbers seem to show it's making a real difference.
Beyond raw crime statistics, the PNP also highlighted the role of community-oriented policing in sustaining the downward trend. Barangay-level coordination, increased CCTV monitoring, and intelligence-led operations against known criminal groups were all cited as contributing factors. The national police leadership expressed confidence that if the current trajectory is maintained, the Philippines could post record-low crime figures by mid-year.
The PNP warned, however, against complacency — noting that focus crimes like robbery, physical injury, and theft still occurred in significant numbers and that sustained vigilance is essential. Authorities also renewed calls for citizens to report suspicious activities to local police stations and to take advantage of emergency hotlines. With Valentine's Day weekend already behind us and Lent approaching, the PNP pledged heightened presence in public areas during major religious and public gatherings. Source: Inquirer.net, PNA, Manila Times, Tribune, GMA News Online
