PNP: More crimes during Duterte administration

Contrary to former president Rodrigo Duterte's claim that crimes in the Marcos administration are on the rise, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said yesterday it was during his term that lawlessness was rampant.

- With Daphne Galvez

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla also refuted Duterte's claim.

"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," he said.

"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," he added.

In a statement, the Department of Justice said Duterte's statement was "anecdotal and lacking empirical support."

Citing its latest data, the PNP said index crimes from July 1, 2022 to July 28, 2024 dropped 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 cases of murder, homicide, physical injuries and rape decreased by 55.69 percent.