The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday refuted China’s statement that public security in the Philippines is “worsening,” stressing that crime incidents have actually declined in the first eight months of 2025.
PNP information chief Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño reported during a press briefing that crime incidents from January 1 to August 28, 2025, dropped to 22,519 cases, a 16.5% decrease compared to 26,969 cases recorded during the same period last year.
“Our crime situation in the Philippines is not worsening because based on our data, there is a 16.5 percent decrease [in crime rate],” Tuaño said.
Focus crimes in the PNP report include murder, homicide, rape, physical injury, carnapping, motor vehicle theft, and theft.
The statement came after the Chinese Embassy in Manila issued an advisory on X, warning Chinese citizens about “increasing crimes” allegedly targeting Chinese nationals in the Philippines. The embassy urged its citizens to exercise caution, avoid high-risk areas, and strengthen personal and property protection.
In response, acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed the Directorate for Intelligence to coordinate with the Chinese Embassy and obtain the basis of its advisory.
“We will follow proper channels and procedures. The chief PNP instructed us not to speculate but to coordinate with the embassy to understand their concerns,” Tuaño explained.
PNP data also showed that 21 kidnapping cases were recorded from January to August, involving both Chinese victims and perpetrators.
