(PNA file photo)
MANILA – Knowing full well that peace and order should be the utmost consideration of the government in every community to pave the way for a massive development, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. emphasized the importance of attaining it through the legal process, as he cited the significant decline in the crime rate during his administration.
President Marcos said there were only 198,617 crimes recorded in 2023, or the first full year of his administration, compared to the 295,382 crimes committed in 2017, or the first full year of the previous administration.
Likewise, the crime index reported in 2023 stood at 38,436 compared to 107,899 in 2017, or three times lower. The Philippine National Police (PNP) defined “crime index” as serious such as murder, homicide, physical injury, car theft, robbery, theft, and rape.
Data from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reveals that crime rates have dropped by nearly 6 percent from January to October 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
“We have done it without resorting to legal shortcuts or short-circuiting the process or acts that subvert the rule of law,” President Marcos said in his speech during the oath-taking of star rank officers of the PNP at Malacañan Palace in March 2024.
To maintain the significant decline in crime incidents nationwide, the chief executive comes up with various PNP programs.
From the far-flung barangays of remote rural areas to the bustling, crowded urban places to the ravaged disaster spots to the vibrant and peaceful tourist destinations, the PNP is making its presence felt to deter crimes for safer communities.
On top of the police visibility, PNP is now leveling up its emergency response with the “Revitalized 911 Emergency Hotline,” an upgraded system where police units will be integrated with fire departments, ambulances, and other locality services, ensuring everyone is on the same page and facilitating quicker response.
Under the Revitalized 911 Emergency Hotline, the PNP unit concerned is expected to respond within three minutes after the crisis is reported.
“It’s not just how fast but also how efficient it is. You just don’t see it, but there is an automatic response that we have already done. We want the response time down to three minutes, but we can be faster in an actual scenario,” said PNP Chief Police General Rommel Marbil.
From July to November 2024, the PNP’s Revitalized 911 Emergency Hotline system handled over a million calls, responding to 99.97 percent within 15 minutes, Marbil said as he noted the remarkable level of efficiency in terms of quicker response by PNP personnel handling it, specifically in Metro Manila at 3.27 minutes.
However, the PNP’s commitment goes beyond quick responses and focuses instead on preventing crime, building stronger community relationships, and supporting victims of domestic violence and abuse; the PNP is always ready to step in and assist.
They’re also improving their technology to track and monitor criminal activities better making their response even quicker and more effective.
During the Christmas season of 2024, over 8,000 officers were deployed to maintain safety, especially in high-traffic areas like malls and transportation hubs. The police were proactive in tackling holiday crimes such as pickpocketing and robbery, with the help of specialized officers.
The PNP’s strategy emphasizes collaboration with local communities and authorities, working together to create a safer and more secure environment for all.
Increased police presence
As President Marcos highlighted in his 2023 State of the Nation Address (SONA), the government’s focus on strengthening and modernizing our police and armed forces continues to make strides in maintaining peace and order.
President Marcos stressed the importance of strengthening and modernizing the PNP and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to be more effective in defending our sovereignty and ensuring public safety.
Under the “Bagong Pilipinas” vision, the PNP has been at the forefront of efforts to ensure a safer and more secure environment for all Filipinos, as well as working hard to boost police visibility, deploying officers in key areas across the country to deter crime and build stronger relationships with the communities.
In his speech at the 123rd Police Service Anniversary, President Marcos stressed the role of the police forces in the country’s transformation and challenged them to make good their theme “Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Ang Gusto ng Pulis, Ligtas Ka,” as banners of the PNP’s aspirations in this new chapter of our nation’s history.
“For over a century, our police force has stood as guardians of peace, order, and safety in our communities, ensuring the well-being, security, and dignity of every Filipino. Not only does this speak of our law enforcers’ commitment to ensure the welfare of our people, but it also advocates for a more profound transformation in the image of the police under a Bagong Pilipinas,” the Chief Executive said.
Marbil last June 2024 ordered the intensification of police operations and visibility nationwide by commanding 85 percent of police officers to be deployed in field duties and minimizing office work, in line with the DILG’s directive to address criminal activities. This is to ensure a rapid response to crimes.
“Our goal is to protect and serve the public with integrity and dedication. We must work hand in hand with our communities to create an environment where everyone feels safe and secure,” Marbil said.
Increased police visibility, particularly in high-foot-traffic locations such as shopping malls, transport hubs, and public markets, has shown a marked improvement in community safety.
With initiatives like Oplan Galugad and Oplan Sita, police officers are conducting routine stops, vehicle inspections, and foot patrols to deter criminal activity.
The PNP leadership likewise maintains the deployment of at least 18 police officers to each MRT or LRT station to protect thousands of passengers daily against any unscrupulous activities.
Based on the PNP’s Key Operational Accomplishments, the police force maintained an intensified police presence under the Marcos administration, recording 52,562,647 foot-and-beat patrol operations with 936,112,350 man-hours conducted from July 1, 2022, to Nov. 17, 2024. Aside from this, a significant 24,435,152 mobile patrol operations were carried out, utilizing an additional 310,061,679 man-hours.
Extending safety to tourists
With international tourist arrivals exceeding 5.6 million as of December 2024, the PNP has partnered with the Department of Tourism (DOT) through the Tourist-Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection (TOPCOP) program, aimed at ensuring the safety of both local and foreign visitors.
Under this program, 8,000 police personnel will undergo special training to be deployed accordingly, especially in areas with a high concentration of tourists.
Strengthening Every Barangay
Another ambitious PNP endeavor of President Marcos is the Revitalized Pulis Sa Barangay (RPSB) program, now reaching all 42,029 barangays throughout the country. The program started in small, isolated communities has now become a movement to ensure safety in every corner of the Philippines.
“The safety of our citizens begins in the barangays,” Marbil said, highlighting the critical importance of local policing. The impact of this program is made possible through the dedication and hard work of officers across the country. Take Sorsogon, for example—50 officers went through a 15-day training and then went straight into both bustling urban areas and remote communities. They did not only focus on keeping the peace—they connected with the people, listened to their concerns, and helped in whatever way they could.
Ditto with Iloilo City, where over 300 officers completed a 12-day training and immediately went to work, living within the barangays. They served not only mere volunteers but also immersed themselves and let them be part of the community, getting to know the residents, understanding their issues, and offering real help right away.
This hands-on, community-centered approach is truly making a difference, since the officers do not only solve the problems but also become familiar, trusted figures who are always there for the people, ready to lend a hand when needed.
Since the program launched in July 2022, over 5,100 officers have been assigned to more than 1,100 barangays across the country, where maintaining peace and order is not only their task but also building a partnership between their ranks and the residents.
With the RPSB as their arms, the citizenry and the police are jointly creating safer, more resilient communities to align with President Marcos’ “Bagong Pilipinas,” vision of leadership. (PNA)
