Southern Police District Director P/BGEN. Manuel Abrugena and other cops conduct checkpoints to ensure peace and order in the southern part of Metro Manila.
Crime rate significantly dips in southern metro area
THE Southern Police District under the leadership of District Director P/BGEN. Manuel Abrugena recorded a substantial crime rate reduction during the first quarter of 2025, proving the impact of intensified police operations, strategic interventions, and strengthened community collaboration.
SPD Public Information Office (PIO) head P/Lt. Margaret Panaga said that among the most striking achievements was a 22 percent overall decrease in crime, with total recorded incidents dropping from 348 in the last quarter of 2024 to 272 in the first quarter of 2025.
“This accomplishment reflects the district’s proactive approach in creating safer neighborhoods across its jurisdiction,” Panaga said.
Among the significant improvements on the eight focus crimes recorded includes theft cases falling by 39 percent, with 55 fewer cases from 141 to 86; rape cases dropping by 37 percent, with 24 fewer incidents from 65 to 41physical injury cases decreasing by 32 percent, with 15 fewer cases from 47 to 32, and robbery incidents reducing by six percent, with three fewer cases from 49 to 46.
According to SPD, these outcomes highlighted the effectiveness of increased police visibility, quicker response initiatives, and deeper community engagement programs rolled out under PBGEN Abrugena’s watch.
While homicide and murder cases showed an upward trend, with homicide cases rising by 138 percent from eight to 19, murder cases increasing by 44 percent from 18 to 26, and motor vehicle theft cases climbing by 33 percent from six to eight, PBGEN Abrugena immediately directed all units to recalibrate their operations.
Focused intelligence gathering, intensified hotspot patrols, and precision-driven actions are now underway to address these critical concerns head-on.
In his farewell speech, PBGEN Abrugena extended his heartfelt gratitude to the brave men and women of SPD and to the community and stakeholders who continue to stand alongside the police force.
“This success is a shared victory. It is a reflection of what can be achieved when police and community come together. We will continue to push forward — more determined than ever — to make sure our communities remain safe havens for all,” he said.
“I am encouraging everybody to support the new SPD Director, PBGEN Joseph R. Arguelles,” the outgoing SPD District Director said.
Arguelles vows to lead with integrity, discipline
Newly assigned District Director P/BGEN. Joseph R. Arguelles formally took over the stewardship of the Southern Police District (SPD) in a ceremony held at the district headquarters.
PBGEN Arguelles, a proud member of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Patnubay Class of 1995, hails from the province of Oriental Mindoro.
He carries a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to public service, honed over decades of dedicated work in the police force.
Prior to his new assignment, he served as the Chief of the Peace Process and Development Center (PPDC) based at Camp Crame, Quezon City, where he played a pivotal role in fostering dialogue and peace-building efforts in conflict-affected areas.
In his inaugural speech as SPD Acting District Director, PBGEN Arguelles expressed his gratitude for the trust bestowed upon him and vowed to lead with integrity, discipline, and genuine service to the people.
He emphasized his dedication to strengthening police-community relations, upholding human rights, and intensifying anti-criminality and anti-illegal drug operations within the district.
Meanwhile, outgoing SPD District Director PBGEN Manuel J. Abrugena, also a member of PNPA Patnubay Class of 1995, has been designated as the Deputy Regional Director for Operations of the National Capital Region Police Office effective April 4. His leadership at SPD was marked by operational successes and strengthened community partnerships.
The leadership transition highlights the PNP’s commitment to professional growth, continuity in public service, and maintaining peace and order across all regions.
The Southern Police District, encompassing key cities in southern Metro Manila, remains a critical area for security operations, and with PBGEN Arguelles at the helm, the PNP is confident in sustained progress and effective law enforcement in the region.
