MANILA, Philippines- Kapwa pinasinungalingan ng Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) at Philippine National Police (PNP) ang editoryal ng isang broadsheet hinggil sa umano’y pagtaas ng krimen sa bansa.
Sinabi ni DILG Assistant Secretary Maria Liavel Crisostomo na mariing itinatanggi ng departamento ang ‘shortcut, fear-driven approaches’ ng nakalipas, kabilang na ang extrajudicial killings, tungo sa paglikha ng police force na propesyonal, may pananagutan at may paggalang sa karapatang pantao at tuntunin ng batas.
“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 PNP,” ang sinabi ni Crisostomo sa isang kalatas.
Sa ulat, sa isang editorial na may petsang May 30, na may pamagat na “Deteriorating crime situation” sinasabi rito na nahihirapan ang administrayson na patunayan na ang tumataas crime situation ay isang “propaganda made up by trolls,” gaya ng sinabi ni Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary at Palace Press Officer Claire Castro.
Sinabi ni Crisostomo na ang pinaigting na police visibility ay hindi para may makita lamang ang mga tao na pulis sa lansangan kundi para hadlangan ang krimen at muling paigtingin ang public trust.
Inaasahan na ang mga opisyal ay makikipag-ugnayan sa mga komunidad, tiyak ang pagtugon at paninindigan ang integridad.
“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,” ang sinabi ni Crisostomo.
Sinabi naman ni Crisostomo na sa darating na Agosto, sisimulan na ng DILG ang pagroll-out ng 911 Emergency Response Program na may geolocation at live-streaming features para sa mas mabilis at mas wastong pagtugon sa krimen.
Winika pa ni Crisostomo ang kamakailan lamang na kidnapping cases, tinukoy ang higit sa lahat na pagkakaugnay sa Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO)-related operations.
“President Marcos has already ordered the ban on POGOs to eliminate these threats and uphold public safety,” dagdag na wika nito.
“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,” aniya pa rin.
“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.”
Samantala, kinikilala ng PNP ang alalahanin na binanggit sa Inquirer editorial.
“While we respect the role of the press in fostering accountability, it is equally important to present a fair and balanced perspective on the continuing efforts of the PNP to ensure peace and order throughout the country,” ang sinabi ng PNP.
“The PNP remains focused on operational accomplishments in line with our mandate. We continue to implement law enforcement operations against criminality, illegal drugs and other threats to public safety, all while upholding the rule of law and the rights of every citizen,” anito pa. Kris Jose
