MANILA – The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) observed a decline in physical thefts but a surge in online scams during the 2025 holiday season, according to a post-Christmas assessment released on December 29, 2025. NCRPO Director Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez attributed the trends to heightened police visibility on streets and the shift of criminal activities to digital platforms amid increased online shopping and transactions.
Key Crime Trends (Holiday Period 2025)
- Physical Thefts: Down significantly compared to 2024, with fewer reports of pickpocketing, bag-snatching, and break-ins in malls, terminals, and residential areas.
- Online Scams: Marked increase, including phishing, fake online sellers, investment fraud, and romance scams exploiting holiday generosity.
- Other Crimes: Minor upticks in drunk-driving incidents and firecracker-related violations, but overall index crimes (murder, homicide, robbery, theft) remained “manageable.”
Nartatez credited the drop in street crimes to Oplan Katok and Oplan Galugad operations, with thousands of checkpoints and patrols deployed across Metro Manila. However, he warned of evolving cyber threats: “Criminals have moved online—vigilance is key when shopping or transacting digitally.”
The NCRPO advised the public to:
- Verify online sellers and use secure payment methods.
- Avoid clicking suspicious links or sharing personal info.
- Report scams immediately to cybercrime units.
As the New Year approaches, police presence will remain high, with focus shifting to fireworks safety and traffic management.
This mixed holiday crime report offers relief on streets but a cautionary note for the digital space—stay safe in person and online.
Holiday Crime Snapshot (NCRPO 2025 vs. 2024):
| Crime Type | Trend (2025) | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Thefts | Decreased | Strong police visibility |
| Online Scams | Increased | Rise in e-commerce & digital transactions |
| Overall Index Crimes | Stable | Manageable with proactive operations |