SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Tuesday commended the Philippine National Police (PNP) for what he described as “stronger, smarter” policing under the Marcos administration, citing the significant drop in focus crimes nationwide and the swift arrest of the suspect within an hour in the recent road rage shooting in Antipolo City.
The Speaker credited PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil for leading reforms that have improved crime prevention strategies and response times, saying these efforts are helping restore public confidence in law enforcement and proving that “the rule of law is alive and working.”
“I commend the PNP, under the leadership of Gen. Marbil, for demonstrating stronger, smarter policing—from the sharp drop in focus crimes nationwide to the swift arrest of the Antipolo road rage suspect,” said the leader of the 306-strong House of Representatives.
Speaker Romualdez, a lawyer from the University of the Philippines (UP), added: “These results reflect discipline, innovation, and a renewed commitment to public safety. The Antipolo incident, in particular, shows how far the PNP has come in terms of speed and responsiveness.”
Speaker Romualdez was referring to the March 30 incident along Marcos Highway in Antipolo City, where a heated confrontation escalated into a shooting that injured four individuals, including the suspect’s partner. Police announced Monday that one of the victims died.
The Speaker also commended the police officers for their exemplary performance in promptly apprehending the alleged gunman, identified as Kenneth Alajar Bautista, a 28-year-old businessman.
“Salamat sa inyong hindi matatawarang serbisyo at pagtupad ng buong katapatan at katapangan sa inyong tungkulin,” Speaker Romualdez said referring to the policemen who were awarded by the PNP led by Marbil with the Medalya ng Kagalingan for their exemplary law enforcement response.
They were Police Lieutenant Orlando Santos Jalmasco, Police Chief Master Sergeant Ranel Delos Santos Cruz, Police Corporal Kaveen John Rubia Vea, Police Corporal Joeban Acosta Abendaño, Police Corporal Niño Cipriano Chavez, Patrolman Reylan Rivarez De Chavez, Patrolman Michael Keith Lalican Panganiban, and Patrolman John Mark Bacli Manahan.
The Speaker pointed out that rapid action in high-profile incidents like this sends a clear signal that crime and impunity have no place in society.
“When criminals are caught within minutes—not days—it sends a powerful message: there are no safe havens for lawbreakers in this country,” he said.
PNP data shows a 26.76% drop in focus crimes—from 4,817 cases between January 1 and February 14, 2024, to 3,528 in the same period this year.
Focus crimes include theft, robbery, rape, murder, homicide, physical injury, and carnapping of motorcycles and motor vehicles. Among these, rape saw the sharpest decline, dropping by over 50%.
Year-on-year data also reflect a 7.31% decrease in focus crimes, from 41,717 cases in 2023 to 38,667 in 2024.
Former Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, who once served as PNP chief, earlier lauded the police for the substantial drop in crime, saying the numbers validate the effectiveness of increased visibility, crime prevention initiatives, and community-based policing.
Speaker Romualdez echoed Lacson’s commendation, describing the PNP’s performance as the result of “dedication, discipline, and smarter law enforcement.”
The House chief underscored the need to build on this progress, stressing that the government must continue to equip the police with the tools, training, and support needed to keep Filipino communities safe.
“We cannot afford to lose this momentum. Let this be a wake-up call to would-be offenders and a reassurance to every law-abiding Filipino—peace and order is non-negotiable, and the government under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will act swiftly and decisively,” he stressed.
Speaker Romualdez also reaffirmed the full backing of the House of Representatives for all measures that will strengthen the PNP’s capacity and capability.
“We will continue supporting legislation and programs that empower our police force. Every Filipino deserves to live without fear—and that begins with a police institution that delivers on its duty,” Speaker Romualdez said.
