Manila, Feb. 2 -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday reported a nationwide drop in crime incidents during the first month of 2026, signaling stronger police presence and more focused operations on the ground.

Based on PNP records, 2,449 crime incidents were reported in January this year, 24.32 percent lower compared to 3,236 during the same period in 2025.

Focus crime categories also posted declines: murder down from 316 last year to 284 this year; homicide, from 104 to 83; physical injury, from 409 to 283; rape, from 848 to 331; theft, from 1,020 to 981; carnapping of motor vehicles, from 25 to 17; and carnapping of motorcycles, from 189 to 144.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. attributed the nationwide improvemen...