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Advocates Philippines
Speaker Romualdez Praises PNP For Quick Action In Antipolo Road Rage Case, Notes Drop In Crime
Photo credit: Congress PH
Speaker of the House Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has nothing but praise for the Philippine National Police (PNP) after their swift response to the recent road rage shooting in Antipolo City. Within just an hour, authorities had the suspect in custody—a clear sign, he says, that law enforcement is becoming “stronger and smarter” under the Marcos administration.
Romualdez credited PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil for leading efforts to boost crime prevention and rapid response times, pointing out that these improvements help restore public trust in the police.
A Swift Response to Road Rage Violence
The Speaker specifically commended the quick work of the officers who arrested Kenneth Alajar Bautista, a 28-year-old businessman, shortly after the March 30 shooting along Marcos Highway. The incident, which stemmed from a heated confrontation, left four people injured—including Bautista’s own partner. Tragically, one of the victims later died.
“Salamat sa inyong hindi matatawarang serbisyo,” Romualdez told the officers, who were awarded the Medalya ng Kagalingan for their outstanding work. He emphasized that rapid police action in cases like this sends a strong message: crime and impunity have no place in Philippine 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.
Crime Rates Are Dropping
Beyond this high-profile case, Romualdez pointed to broader crime data that shows a significant improvement in public safety. According to the PNP, focus crimes—including theft, robbery, murder, and car theft—dropped by 26.76% in early 2024 compared to the same period last year. The biggest decline was in rape cases, which fell by over 50%.
Even in year-on-year comparisons, the trend is encouraging. In 2023, there were 41,717 recorded focus crimes; in 2024, that number has fallen to 38,667—a 7.31% decrease.
Former Senator and ex-PNP chief Panfilo “Ping” Lacson has also praised the police for these numbers, saying they prove that increased visibility and proactive crime prevention are working. Romualdez agreed, calling the PNP’s efforts a product of “dedication, discipline, and smarter law enforcement.”
Sustaining the Momentum
The Speaker stressed that now is not the time to slow down. The government, he said, must continue equipping the police with the tools, training, and resources they need to maintain law and order.
“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,” Romualdez said.
To support this, he reaffirmed the House of Representatives’ commitment to passing legislation that strengthens the PNP’s capabilities.
“Every Filipino deserves to live without fear—and that begins with a police institution that delivers on its duty,” he concluded.
With crime on the decline and decisive action from law enforcement, Speaker Romualdez believes the Philippines is on the right track toward a safer future.
Romualdez credited PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil for leading efforts to boost crime prevention and rapid response times, pointing out that these improvements help restore public trust in the police.
A Swift Response to Road Rage Violence
The Speaker specifically commended the quick work of the officers who arrested Kenneth Alajar Bautista, a 28-year-old businessman, shortly after the March 30 shooting along Marcos Highway. The incident, which stemmed from a heated confrontation, left four people injured—including Bautista’s own partner. Tragically, one of the victims later died.
“Salamat sa inyong hindi matatawarang serbisyo,” Romualdez told the officers, who were awarded the Medalya ng Kagalingan for their outstanding work. He emphasized that rapid police action in cases like this sends a strong message: crime and impunity have no place in Philippine 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.
Crime Rates Are Dropping
Beyond this high-profile case, Romualdez pointed to broader crime data that shows a significant improvement in public safety. According to the PNP, focus crimes—including theft, robbery, murder, and car theft—dropped by 26.76% in early 2024 compared to the same period last year. The biggest decline was in rape cases, which fell by over 50%.
Even in year-on-year comparisons, the trend is encouraging. In 2023, there were 41,717 recorded focus crimes; in 2024, that number has fallen to 38,667—a 7.31% decrease.
Former Senator and ex-PNP chief Panfilo “Ping” Lacson has also praised the police for these numbers, saying they prove that increased visibility and proactive crime prevention are working. Romualdez agreed, calling the PNP’s efforts a product of “dedication, discipline, and smarter law enforcement.”
Sustaining the Momentum
The Speaker stressed that now is not the time to slow down. The government, he said, must continue equipping the police with the tools, training, and resources they need to maintain law and order.
“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,” Romualdez said.
To support this, he reaffirmed the House of Representatives’ commitment to passing legislation that strengthens the PNP’s capabilities.
“Every Filipino deserves to live without fear—and that begins with a police institution that delivers on its duty,” he concluded.
With crime on the decline and decisive action from law enforcement, Speaker Romualdez believes the Philippines is on the right track toward a safer future.
Apr 1, 2025
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