The first Monday of October began with a solemn and heartfelt gathering as Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Acting Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), delivered a powerful message during the Traditional Monday Flag Raising Ceremony held at Camp BGen Rafael T Crame, Quezon City, on October 6, 2025.
In his address, PLtGen Nartatez led the PNP organization in offering prayers and condolences for the victims of the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Cebu and other parts of Visayas.
“Let us begin this morning by pausing for a solemn moment of remembrance for the victims of the powerful earthquake that struck Cebu and other parts of Visayas. To the families who lost their loved ones, I offer my sincerest condolences. Sa mga nasugatan, sa mga pamilya na ngayon ay nakararanas ng hirap, at maging sa mga kasamahan nating naapektuhan, ipinaabot ko ang aming pakikiisa at panalangin para sa inyong agarang pagbangon,” he said.
He emphasized that from the very first hour after the tremor, PNP immediately mobilized its personnel to assist in rescue, relief, and security operations. The Police Regional Office 7 (PRO 7), led by Police Brigadier General Redrico A. Maranan, Regional Director, promptly activated its Disaster Incident Management Task Group to conduct rapid damage assessments, secure affected areas, and assist in evacuations across Cebu City, Bogo City, Lapu-Lapu City, Danao City, Toledo City, and other municipalities in Northern Cebu.
The PNP Top Cop underscored the organization’s close coordination with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), Local Government Units (LGUs), and other government agencies to ensure a coordinated and compassionate response. This included safeguarding evacuation centers, securing relief distribution, managing traffic for rescue vehicles, and protecting communities from potential lawless elements who might exploit the crisis.
“Sa gitna ng trahedya, pinakita ng PNP na hindi lamang tayo tagapagpatupad ng batas kundi katuwang din tayo sa pagbangon ng ating mga kababayan. Ang ating tungkulin ay hindi lamang magbigay ng seguridad kundi maghatid ng kapanatagan, magbigay ng lakas ng loob, at tiyakin na ramdam ng ating mga kababayan ang presensya ng pamahalaan,” he added.
PLtGen Nartatez also reminded all PNP personnel to perform their duties with integrity, discipline, and compassion, treating every citizen with respect and empathy, especially during these challenging times.
Following the ceremony, the Acting PNP Chief led in a press briefing where he presented the PNP’s latest key accomplishments including intensified operations against Most Wanted Persons, sustained anti-drug efforts, and strengthened campaigns against smuggling nationwide.
He also provided updates on the ongoing relief and security operations in Central Visayas following the earthquake, and assured the continued assistance of PNP to victims of Typhoons Nando, Opong, and Paolo, reaffirming the organization’s unwavering commitment to public service and humanitarian response.
During the same briefing, Police Brigadier General Matthew P. Baccay, Acting Director of the Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM), reported a notable 14% decrease in the eight focus crimes, reflecting the PNP’s intensified crime prevention and solution efforts.
According to the Crime Research and Analysis Center (CRAC) of DIDM, total focus crimes dropped from 10,430 to 8,988 from July to September 2025, compared to the same period in 2024. Among these, rape recorded the highest decrease at 33.03% (from 2,280 to 1,527 cases), followed by carnapping of motor vehicles which declined by 28% (from 97 to 69 cases), and murder, which went down by 24.19% (from 1,021 to 774 cases). Other crimes such as homicide, robbery, theft, physical injury, and motorcycle carnapping also showed significant decreases.
PLtGen Nartatez commended all police units for their dedication and hard work, saying: “Ang patuloy na pagbaba ng krimen ay patunay ng sipag at dedikasyon ng ating mga pulis, at ng tiwala ng mga Pilipino. Sama-sama nating itaguyod ang Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas—serbisyong mabilis, tapat, at nararamdaman ng lahat.”
PNP continues to strengthen its operational capabilities and collaboration with LGUs and communities to sustain peace, order, and public safety across the nation.
