SHOOTING VICTIM A screengrab from a viral video of a road altercation in Antipolo City on Sunday, March 30, 2025, shows the suspect carrying his wife into his sport utility vehicle after he shot her and several others. He was later arrested by the police. 鈥擲CREENGRAB PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines 鈥� The quick arrest of a motorist who shot a motorcycle rider in Antipolo City shows how far the Philippine National Police (PNP) has improved in terms of response, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said on Tuesday.
In a statement, Romualdez lauded the PNP, saying it has evolved into a stronger and smarter policing force under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.鈥檚 administration, as numbers indicate that the crime rate has dropped significantly.
The House leader also said the arrest of the shooter, who appears to be involved in road rage, also shows that the rule of law is functioning.
鈥淚 commend the PNP, under the leadership of Gen. [Rommel Francisco] Marbil, for demonstrating stronger, smarter policing鈥攆rom the sharp drop in focus crimes nationwide to the swift arrest of the Antipolo road rage suspect,鈥� Romualdez said.
鈥淭hese 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,鈥� he added.
Last Sunday, netizens caught on camera at least two motorcycle riders mauling a driver of a black sports utility vehicle (SUV) along the westbound lane of the Marikina-Infanta Highway in Barangay San Jose, Antipolo City.
After being ganged up on, the driver of the black SUV, identified as a certain 鈥淜enneth,鈥� drew a pistol and fired upon the two riders, accidentally hitting his wife. The suspect was subsequently arrested by police officers at a checkpoint.
READ: Road rage shooting suspect in Antipolo arrested
The PNP filed a frustrated murder complaint against the motorist, but it was upgraded to murder after one of the victims died.
Romualdez praised the cops who responded to calls to arrest the suspect.
鈥淭hank you for your selfless service and for courageously fulfilling your duty,鈥� he said in Filipino.
鈥淲hen criminals are caught within minutes鈥攏ot days鈥攊t sends a powerful message: there are no safe havens for lawbreakers in this country,鈥� he added.
The PNP has awarded the Medalya ng Kagalingan (Medal of Merit) to the eight Antipolo City Police Station personnel who responded to the incident.
READ: Cops who arrested Antipolo road rage suspect receive medal of merit
Aside from these, the PNP reported that crime rates nationwide have dropped by 18.4 percent from the first quarter of 2025 compared to the last quarter of 2024.
Focus crimes, like theft, robbery, rape, murder, homicide, physical injury, and carnapping, also decreased by 26.7 percent between January 1 and February 14 in 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
READ: Nationwide crime rate drops by 26% from Jan 1 to Feb 14, says PNP
鈥淲e 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鈥攑eace and order is non-negotiable, and the government under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will act swiftly and decisively,鈥� Romualdez said.
鈥淲e will continue supporting legislation and programs that empower our police force. Every Filipino deserves to live without fear鈥攁nd that begins with a police institution that delivers on its duty,鈥� he added.