In response to former President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s alarming assertion regarding the rise of drug-related crimes, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” C. Remulla emphatically sets the record straight: the peace and order situation in our country is not only stable but has also dramatically improved.

Secretary Remulla firmly refutes the former President’s claims that the end of the previous administration’s War on Drugs in 2022 has allowed criminal elements to resurface. Such assertions, made during a Senate hearing on the previous administration’s controversial anti-drug campaign, stand in stark contrast to the comprehensive data provided by the Philippine National Police (PNP).

According to the report submitted to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., the total number of recorded crimes from July 1, 2022, to January 31, 2024, has plummeted to 324,368, representing a 10.66% decrease from the 363,075 crimes recorded between December 1, 2020, and June 30, 2022. Notably, seven out of eight focus crimes have seen significant declines, including a reduction in rape (11.08%), physical injury (10.59%), robbery (2.26%), murder (10.17%), carnapping (23.27%), and homicide (0.91%). The only exception is theft, which experienced a modest increase of 4.79%.

In light of these verified statistics, the Department of Justice categorically dismisses the statements made by former President Duterte as anecdotal and lacking empirical support.

“With utmost respect for former President Duterte’s leadership, we believe that his perception of an escalating crime rate does not reflect the reality supported by concrete data. The peace and order situation remains a top priority for the Marcos Administration, and we are committed to assuring the Filipino people that our nation is on a path toward greater stability and security,” Secretary Remulla affirmed.

Our commitment to maintaining peace and order is unwavering, and we will continue to uphold the rule of law for the benefit of all Filipinos.