TeaMarra - Bacong

Daily Devotion

TOPIC: Choices Matter
17th April 2026, is here. Give us this day our daily bread (Matthew 6:11).

The word of God is food to the spirit man. “Eat and digest” the word of the Lord for today and let its unchanging power nurture your faith and help in your daily walk to Christ.

SAFER CITIES INITIATIVE DELIVERS CRIME DOWNTURN, PNP SUSTAINS STRONGER PUBLIC ORDER DRIVE

The Philippine National Police (PNP) continues to sustain the gains of its Safer Cities Initiative, in line with the PNP Focused Agenda under Enhanced Managing Police Operations, supporting the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and SILG Juanito Victor C. Remulla to strengthen public safety, improve law enforcement visibility, and ensure safer and more disciplined communities across the country.

Based on comparative monitoring from March 28 to April 5, 2026 (pre-implementation period) and April 6 to April 14, 2026 (post-implementation period), the PNP recorded a notable decline in focus crimes under crimes against persons, reflecting the continued effect of intensified police visibility and strict enforcement operations.

Murder cases dropped from 91 to 82, down by 9 incidents or 9.8%. Homicide decreased from 28 to 17, a reduction of 11 cases or 39.3%. Physical injury cases went down from 132 to 102, a drop of 30 incidents or 22.7%. R**e cases also declined from 96 to 74, or a decrease of 22 incidents equivalent to 22.9%.

PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the sustained decline reflects consistent field operations and community cooperation. “Makikita po natin na tuloy-tuloy ang epekto ng ating presensya sa mga lansangan. Kapag ramdam ng publiko ang pulis, mas nababawasan ang oportunidad para sa krimen,” he said.

In line with the Safer Cities Initiative, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) recorded a total of 6,332 cases as of April 15, 2026. The Quezon City Police District posted the highest with 1,593, followed by the Southern Police District with 1,450, the Northern Police District with 1,469, the Eastern Police District with 956, and the Manila Police District with 864.

Out of the total cases, 2,843 were fined, 112 were charged, while 3,377 were warned and released. The most common violations were drinking and smoking in public places with 1,558 cases, followed by minors violating curfew hours with 438 cases, roaming without shirts with 199 cases, and karaoke use beyond allowed hours with 46 cases, while other violations accounted for 4,091 cases.

The PNP further assured that intensified police visibility, checkpoint operations, and community engagement will be sustained to maintain the downward trend in crime and strengthen deterrence against lawlessness nationwide.

The PNP also reiterated its appeal for public cooperation and compliance with local ordinances, stressing that sustained discipline and shared responsibility are key to safer communities, in line with the vision of Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.

(PNP-PIO)

PNP STATEMENT ON THE REPORTED ARREST OF ZALDY CO

The Philippine National Police (PNP) takes note of the statement of the President regarding the reported arrest of former lawmaker Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co, who is said to be currently detained in Prague under the custody of Czech authorities.

The PNP is coordinating with concerned government agencies and international law enforcement counterparts to verify the details of this development through official channels.

In line with the President’s statement, the PNP stands ready to provide necessary assistance and support in ensuring that all legal processes are properly observed, including coordination for his possible return to the Philippines.

Further updates will be provided as soon as information is officially confirmed.

PGEN JOSE MELENCIO C NARTATEZ JR
Chief, Philippine National Police