Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil highlighted the significant influence of media and social platforms on the public perception of crime, emphasizing the need for accurate and balanced reporting.
Marbil noted that despite a 26.76% decrease in the national crime rate since January 1, 2025, public anxiety over security remains high.
He attributed this concern to the widespread dissemination of crime-related content on social media and various platforms, which can sometimes distort the true state of peace and order.
“It is clear from our crime data that the number of incidents is decreasing, but due to the extensive exposure of some cases, especially on social media, criminality appears to be worsening,” the PNP chief explained.
To address this, Marbil directed all police units to strengthen community ties and communicate their efforts to maintain peace and order more effectively.
He urged law enforcement to share positive news—such as successful operations and public safety initiatives—alongside crime reports to provide a clearer and more balanced picture of the country’s security situation.
Marbil also pointed out that this perception gap is not unique to the Philippines but is a global issue.
He observed that violent or unusual crimes tend to attract more attention than improvements in peace and order. Social media amplification, where isolated incidents go viral, often leads the public to believe that such incidents are more frequent than they actually are.
Marbil noted that the repeated reporting of the same crime across different platforms fuels public fear.
He acknowledged the critical role of media in informing the public but urged journalists and online platforms to provide proper context in crime reporting. He emphasized the importance of highlighting both challenges and the PNP’s successes to offer a more realistic view of public safety.
To further address the issue, Marbil advocated for stronger media literacy to help the public critically assess news and avoid misinformation.
He also pushed for sustained community engagement to foster open communication between the PNP and the public, thereby strengthening trust in official data.
“Ultimately, public safety is not just about statistics—it’s about how our citizens feel,” Marbil said. “If we work together, we can ensure that public perceptions are aligned with reality, and we can further strengthen trust and security in our communities.”