DOJ chief refutes Duterte on crime stats

Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla stated that crimes have significantly decreased under President Marcos' administration, contradicting claims made by former President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

Remulla emphasized that the Marcos administration prioritizes peace and order to ensure national stability and security.

The DOJ Secretary's statement was issued in response to Duterte's allegations during a Senate hearing that drug-related crimes had resurfaced and escalated after his term.

Remulla asserted that Duterte's perception of an increasing crime rate is not supported by the actual data.

According to reports submitted to President Marcos, a total of 324,368 crimes were recorded from July 1, 2022, to January 31, 2024, a 10.66 percent reduction compared to 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 reductions in rape (11.08 percent), physical injury (10.59 percent), robbery (2.26 percent), murder (10.17 percent), carnapping (23.27 percent), and homicide (0.91 percent).