The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday refuted a newspaper editorial that claimed a worsening crime situation in the country.
DILG Assistant Secretary Maria Liavel Crisostomo said the agency rejects fear-based strategies, including extrajudicial killings, in favor of professional and rights-respecting policing under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive and the leadership of Secretary Jonvic Remulla.
“Following the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., and under the leadership of Secretary Juanito Victor ‘Jonvic’ Remulla, we are reforming police leadership, strengthening discipline, and instilling a culture of service within the PNP,” Crisostomo said.
She was responding to a May 30 Philippine Daily Inquirer editorial titled “Deteriorating crime situation,” which criticized the administration’s denial of rising crimes and cited recent incidents involving foreign nationals.
Crisostomo explained that intensified police visibility is not for show but meant to prevent crimes and rebuild community trust. “Since its launch last Monday, this approach has produced tangible results in terms of street arrests and, more importantly, is restoring the public’s sense of safety, confidence, and control over their communities,” she added.
She announced that starting August, the DILG will implement a Unified 911 Emergency Response Program featuring geolocation and live-streaming to improve response times.
Regarding recent high-profile cases, Crisostomo clarified that most are linked to POGO-related crimes, which the President has already moved to ban for public safety.
“The DILG does not operate on noise or fear. We operate on facts, reforms, and sustained public service. The transformation we are leading is not performative—it is deliberate, it is working and it is built to endure,” she said.
“Our goal is clear: To deliver a justice and law enforcement system the Filipino people can trust, not fear. We are not going back. We are moving forward—stronger, smarter and more accountable than ever.”
In a separate statement, the PNP acknowledged the media’s role in accountability but stressed the importance of balanced reporting.
“While we respect the role of the press in fostering accountability, it is equally important to present a fair and balanced perspective on the continuing efforts of the PNP to ensure peace and order throughout the country,” the PNP said.
They reaffirmed their commitment to law enforcement, anti-crime operations, and respect for human rights.
