PHILIPPINE National Police chief General Rodolfo S. Azurin Jr. yesterday said they have noted a continuing reduction in major crimes nationwide amid their stepped-up anti-criminality programs.

“Over the past five weeks, a significant 17.15 percent decrease was noted in peace and order indicators, including a 22.33 percent decline in Index Crime, and a 22.50 percent decrease in the eight focus crimes,” the top cop said.

The PNP chief said that among the eight focus crimes, cases of motor vehicle theft, physical injury and rape posted the highest rates of decline at P62.2 percent, 45.2 percent and 40.8 percent respectively.

Gen. Azurin recognized the exceptional performance of the PNP Highway Patrol Group headed by Brigadier Gen. Clifford B. Gairanod during the period wherein he noted successful anti-carnapping operations conducted by the PNP-HPG leading in the arrest of some of the country’s most wanted car theft personalities facing charges for violation of Republic Act 10883 or the New Anti-Carnapping Law.

“Your hard work and dedication in serving and protecting the people of this country is truly commendable. As the Guardians of the Highway and being the PNP’s cutting edge in ensuring safer and secure highways and streets in the country, may the HPG always be ready to respond to the citizens under threat or those calling for assistance,” he said.

According to Gen. Azurin, the police force is addressing all these law enforcement and public safety concerns while continuously implementing its internal house-cleaning responsibility as accountable public officials.

He also bared their major accomplishments in the war on drugs since the start of Year 2023. The PNP chief said nearly P522 million worth of illegal drugs have been seized while 8,183 drug offenders have been arrested during the period amid their continuing effort to address the supply of illegal substance in the country

During the month-long operations in January, four drug suspects who put up violent resistance to lawful arrest died in in gunbattles with undercover officers.

Gen. Azurin described those encounters as ‘isolated incidents’ even as he emphasized that the PNP is taking measures to ensure the safety of all parties involved in the anti-illegal drug campaign.

“The PNP is committed to bringing justice to the Filipino people and ensuring their safety, but we also understand the importance of protecting the rights of all individuals involved in the operations. We are continuously working to balance these responsibilities,” he said.

“I am proud of the hard work and dedication of our police force. These numbers show that our anti-drug efforts are bearing fruit and we will continue to take strong action against those who threaten the safety and well-being of our communities,” he added.

According to Gen. Azurin, they are also relentlessly pursuing ‘high-value targets’ in the country amid their effort to fully support the BIDA or Buhay ay Ingatan, Droga ay Iwasan program of Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin ‘Benhur’ C. Abalos Jr.

“With these successful operations, the PNP is sending a clear message that illegal drug activity will not be tolerated. This is just the beginning. We will not rest until we have completely stamped out this problem and restored peace and security to our communities. We remain committed to working hand in hand with the public to combat this menace,” he said.