Contrary to former President Rodrigo Duterte's statement that crime was increasing during the Marcos administration, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said yesterday that during his leadership, lawlessness was widespread.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla also denied Duterte's statement.
“With all due respect to the leadership of former President Duterte, we believe that his view on the rising crime rate does not reflect the reality supported by concrete data,” he said.
“The state of peace and order remains a top priority for the Marcos administration, and we are committed to strengthening peace and security for Filipinos,” he added.
In a statement, the Department of Justice said Duterte's statement was "based solely on stories and has no empirical basis."
According to the latest PNP data, index crimes decreased from July 1, 2022 to July 28, 2024 to 83,059 from 217,830 during the same period in the first two years of Duterte's term from 2016 to 2018, or a decrease of 61.87 percent.
The PNP said that cases of murder, homicide, physical injuries, and rape decreased by 55.69 percent.
Also, cases of theft, vehicle theft, and other crimes against property decreased by 66.81 percent, from 124,799 to 41,420 in the same comparative periods.
Crime clearance efficiency increased by 27.13 percent while the crime solution efficiency rate increased by 10.28 percent.
“Our latest data shows a significant decrease in crime rates, which proves the effectiveness of our strategies and proactive measures,” according to a PNP statement.
In a Senate inquiry on Monday, Duterte expressed concern that crime rates were rising under the Marcos administration. He cited reports of rape, murder, and robbery.
Duterte said a drug den was also discovered inside the Malacañang complex.
The PNP rejected Duterte's view, stressing that the campaign against illegal drugs under President Marcos yielded significant results, such as the seizure of P35.6 billion worth of illegal drugs and the arrest of 122,309 drug suspects.
“These successes demonstrate the effectiveness of our strategies and reaffirm our dedication to combating the illegal drug trade,” he added.
The PNP said the police achieved these successes while upholding justice, accountability, and respect for human life.
It also pledged to continue a balanced approach to law enforcement that combines effective crime prevention with a strong focus on protecting human rights, ensuring public safety, and respecting the dignity of every person.
“The PNP joins the nation in building safer and more secure communities. By collaborating with all sectors of society, we are committed to fulfilling our mission to serve and protect,” it said.
Benhur Abalos, who headed the PNP as Marcos' interior secretary for more than two years, also opposed Duterte's statements, emphasizing that the number of crimes has decreased under the current administration.
"I can say that our crime rate has significantly decreased under the Marcos administration. We have the data to prove it," Abalos stated.
He emphasized that the Marcos administration focused on the rehabilitation aspect of the anti-drug campaign, which reduced the number of deaths in encounters.
"We are focused on the rehabilitation of drug addicts so we will see fewer deaths in our campaign against illegal drugs," he added.
