Manila, May 4 -- The nationwide crime rate dropped by 34 percent in April compared with the same period in 2024 and 2025, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday.

PNP data showed focus crime incidents declining from 3,961 in 2024 to 3,002 in 2025, and further to 2,616 in 2026 -equivalent to a 34-percent reduction over the two-year period.

Focus crimes include murder, homicide, rape, physical injury, carnapping of motorcycles and motor vehicles, and theft.

The April figures also reflect the initial impact of the "Safer Cities" initiative, which was rolled out during the month to boost police visibility, strengthen coordination with local government units, and enhance deployment in urban crime-prone areas.

"These numbers show t...