15/09/2026
PNP STRENGTHENS POLICE RESPONSE AS COMMON CRIME VICTIMIZATION FALLS TO 10%, SWS REPORTS
The Philippine National Police (PNP), under the command of PGen Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Chief PNP, is taking the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey results as an important reference in sustaining police efforts against crime while responding to emerging threats, particularly those occurring in the digital space.
The June 2026 SWS survey showed that 10% percent of Filipino families reported victimization by common crimes within the past six months, a decline from 12.3% in March. Victimization involving property crimes likewise eased from 11.5% to 9.1%.
For PGen Nartatez, the figures are encouraging while also underscoring the need to sustain police presence and remain responsive to concerns being felt by communities.
“We take the improvement as encouragement, but not as a reason to become complacent. The important thing is to understand what the numbers are telling us and translate that into better police work. Kung may mga stratehiya na gumagana at epektibo, we sustain them; kung may kailangang baguhin, we act on them.”
At the same time, the survey recorded a rise in reported cybercrime victimization, reaching 8% in June from 5.8% in March, underscoring the growing need to protect the public not only in physical communities but also in the digital environment.
The PNP, through the Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG), continues to strengthen its response to cyber-related offenses while reminding the public to remain vigilant against online scams, account hacking, cyberbullying, and other forms of digital victimization. Police units nationwide are likewise directed to remain responsive to community concerns and strengthen police presence in residential areas and public spaces.
PGen Nartatez emphasized that the changing nature of crime requires the police organization to remain adaptable and forward-looking.
“Crime does not stay in one form, and neither should our response. We have to be where the people need us—on the streets, in communities, and increasingly in the digital space. We will continue to improve our capabilities while working closely with the public, because public safety is something we build together.”
These efforts are consistent with the PNP Focused Agenda and the Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO), which provide the framework for using crime information, operational assessment, and community feedback to improve police deployment and decision-making.
The PNP recognizes that public safety is measured not only by reported crime figures but also by the confidence of communities in their police service. Under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the organization will continue working with local governments, other government agencies, and communities to address both traditional and emerging security concerns.
As crime patterns evolve, the PNP remains committed to adapting its operations, strengthening its presence where needed, and delivering police service that responds to what people experience on the ground—consistent with the vision of a “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.”
(PNP-PIO)
