Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Tuesday said crime across the country has dropped by 50% under the government’s Safer Cities Initiative, citing stronger enforcement, better coordination, and shared responsibility among communities.

Speaking during the inauguration of fire facilities and meetings with local officials in Catanduanes, Remulla said the improvement is being seen not only in major cities, but in provinces and towns across the country.

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

He said peace and order can be achieved through the proper enforcement of the law and close cooperation between barangays, police, and local governments.

“Peace and order is 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 said.

Remulla said the initiative focuses on prevention, including curfews for minors, regulating disruptive late-night activities, and improving police visibility in public spaces.

“We must take back the streets. We must take back our communities. We must promote peace and order. It is everyone’s responsibility,” he said.

The DILG chief also praised Catanduanes for recording zero casualties during a recent typhoon, saying it showed what communities can achieve when people work together.

“Sa humagupit na bagyo na 300 kilometers, walang namatay dahil nagsama-sama kayo. That is community spirit. That is the power of being together. That is the strength of Catanduanes,” he said.

In Virac, Remulla urged local leaders to set politics aside and focus on serving the province.

“You may not agree together politically, but you must agree that service to Catanduanes is above all important, is above all your duty, is above all your oath,” he said.

He also assured continued national government support for provinces through investments in facilities, local capability-building, and public safety programs.

“All we want is progress. All we want is a better life. All we want is a safer community,” Remulla said.