Palace defends PNP crime report amid recent killings

Palace press officer Claire Castro holds a press briefing on Thursday, July 9, 2026. — Photo from Presidential Communications Office MANILA, Philippines — Despite a series of reported killings in recent weeks, Malacañang on Monday stood by the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) report that the country’s crime rate had declined. The PNP said last week that focus crimes nationwide dropped by 20.6 percent, from 9,506 cases recorded between Jan. 6 and April 5 to 7,883 cases from April 6 to July 4. READ: PNP reports lower crime rate after 3 months of ‘Safer Cities’ initiative Article continues after this advertisement “Regarding the things we have been hearing about, since they are already in the news, of course we will see and learn about them. The government does not, of course, approve of or take pleasure in the fact that these kinds of crimes are happening,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in Filipino. “That is why the PNP is further strengthening its mandate to ensure a more protected community and to provide faster response to incidents and similar events that may occur,” she added. American marine biologist Kent Carpenter, 73, and his 34-year-old Filipino companion were having dinner at their home in Negros Oriental on July 12 when three masked men barged in. One of the suspects shot Carpenter in the head, killing him instantly. READ: Slain scientist Carpenter honored as champion of PH marine biodiversity Meanwhile, a motorcycle taxi rider was stabbed to death by a passenger in Caloocan City on July 16. Article continues after this advertisement A woman identified as a vlogger supporting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was also shot dead in Caloocan City. Asked whether Marcos provided assistance to the bereaved family of the vlogger, Castro said Marcos does not publicly announce whether he gives assistance or not to anyone in cases like this. Article continues after this advertisement “And the assistance comes from the heart and is not meant for political purposes, so we do not disclose whatever help the President provides,” the Palace officia said in Filipino. /jpv Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.