(File photo from National Capital Region Police Office) MANILA - The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Saturday assured its "full and unqualified united action" as President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. announced initiatives to "build back better" through a comprehensive all-inclusive economic transformation and comprehensive infrastructure plans. "For our part as the premier law enforcement and public safety agency, the PNP shall maintain reassuring government presence in the farthest reaches of the hinterlands and islands," said Lt. Gen.Vicente D. Danao Jr., PNP Officer-in-Charge, in a statement. "With this, we will be able to establish a favorable peace and order environment conducive for industries to grow, generate jobs and support government programs," Danao added. He expressed optimism about a more favorable peace and order outlook in the coming years under the Marcos administration as he noted a marked decline in crime incidents during the past six years from July 2016 to June 2022, compared with the six years, from 2010 to 2016. This nationwide crime environment data was collated from the 17 regional police offices. The data showed that in the past six years, under the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte, a 67.79 percent decline was recorded in the index crime incidence and a 34.47 percent drop in non-index crime. Overall, Peace and Order Indicator showed a notable decrease of 49.83 percent in crime incidence nationwide. Theft, physical injury, and robbery are the most prevalent index crimes, according to the PNP's Crime Information Reporting and Analysis System. Index crimes are those classified as violations against persons and property. "We are now reaping the fruits of our labor. It wasn't an easy fight since criminality has been evolving alongside the advancement in technology. Criminals have found strategic and innovative ways to execute their illegal intents. But the PNP organization took this challenge constructively," Danao added. "We have involved the community at large so we can strengthen our intelligence gathering. We also commend the strong support from our partner agencies and other law enforcers for their assistance in some of our police operations," he said, adding the intensified campaign against lawlessness explained the drop in crime rate. (PNA) }