DILG's Remulla attributes 50% drop in crimes to Safer Cities ops

Interior Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla has attributed the 50% drop in crimes in the country to the operations conducted under the “Safer Cities” program, citing stronger enforcement, improved coordination, and shared responsibility among communities.

“Bumagsak ang krimen by 50 percent sa buong Pilipinas. Hindi lang po sa mga kilalang siyudad, sa malalaking siyudad sa buong Pilipinas,” Remulla said in a statement.

(Crime has dropped by 50% throughout the Philippines. Not just in the well-known cities, but in provinces in the country.)

“Peace and order are possible by the positive application of the law, the cooperation of the barangay, and the police. It is possible to have a more peaceful community without killing anyone,” he added.

Remulla made the statement during the inauguration of police facilities and meetings with local officials in Catanduanes.

He also urged the public to promote peace and order, noting that it is everyone’s responsibility.

Last week, the Philippine National Police reported a drop in the number of violators of ordinances, showing an increase in public compliance with the "Safer Cities Initiative."

PNP data showed that violators dropped to 6,514 on April 19 from a peak of 13,139 recorded on April 7. A total of over 119,000 violators have been recorded within the first two weeks of implementation.

Most violations involved drinking in public places with 35,394 cases, followed by curfew violations for minors at 9,214, topless loitering at 7,755, and karaoke beyond 10 p.m. at 1,867.

Safer Cities Initiative was launched on April 6, enforcing intensified monitoring against public drinking, shirtless loitering, late-night karaoke, and curfews for minors to curb street crimes. — RSJ, GMA News