MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported a 12 percent decline in major crime incidents across the country following intensified anti-criminality operations in high-risk areas.

PNP data covering April 6 to May 6 showed that total focus crime incidents dropped from 3,047 to 2,684, or a reduction of 363 cases during the period.

Among the eight focus crimes being monitored, rape cases recorded the biggest decrease at 25.4 percent, falling from 519 to 387 cases. Physical injuries also went down by 24.3 percent, from 489 to 370 incidents.

Homicide cases declined by 14.1 percent, from 99 to 85, while both murder and robbery cases registered a 7.4 percent drop each.

Theft incidents also decreased by 5 percent, from 1,066 to 1,014 cases.

While no exact figures were provided, the PNP said motor vehicle theft cases remained “generally manageable” during the monitoring period.

The police force launched its “Safer Cities” initiative in April, aimed at boosting police visibility, particularly in urban areas.

“The organization also reported sustained high performance in Crime Clearance Efficiency (CCE) and improved Crime Solution Efficiency (CSE) involving the eight focus crimes,” the PNP said.

The latest monitoring period showed a crime clearance efficiency rate of 87.15 percent, while crime solution efficiency improved to 68.19 percent from 64.92 percent in the previous period.

The PNP attributed the improvements to intensified operations and evidence-based investigations.

“Ang pagbaba ng focus crimes ay resulta ng tuloy-tuloy na trabaho ng ating mga pulis sa buong bansa, kasama ang suporta ng mga komunidad at local government units. Hindi tayo titigil hangga’t hindi mas lalo pang nararamdaman ng mamamayan ang seguridad sa kanilang mga lugar,” said PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr..

(The decrease in focus crimes is the result of the continuous work of our police officers nationwide, together with the support of communities and local government units. We will not stop until the public feels even safer in their communities.)