Assistant Secretary Atty. Maria Liavel C. Badillo-Crisostomo

On behalf of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), I respond to the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s editorial titled “Deteriorating crime situation.”

Real change is happening. The DILG firmly rejects the shortcut, fear-driven approaches of the past, including extrajudicial killings. We are building a police force that is professional, accountable, and respectful of human rights and the rule of law.

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 Philippine National Police. Police visibility has been intensified not for optics but to deter crime and rebuild public trust. Officers are expected to engage with communities, respond decisively, and uphold integrity. 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.

This August, the DILG will begin rolling out the Unified 911 Emergency Response Program. With geolocation and live-streaming features, it will enable faster, more precise responses to crimes like kidnappings and strengthen public access to emergency services.

It must also be clarified that the recent kidnapping cases cited are largely tied to POGO-related operations. President Marcos Jr. has already ordered the ban on POGOs to eliminate these threats and uphold 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. 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.

Original Article At: https://www.dilg.gov.ph/news/OFFICIAL-STATEMENT-OF-THE-DEPARTMENT-OF-THE-INTERIOR-AND-LOCAL-GOVERNMENT/NC-2025-1053