The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) highlighted on Wednesday, July 21 what it described as Duterte administration’s efficient fight against corruption and all forms of criminality, adding that the efforts dramatically improved the country’s peace and order situation.
In his Pre-State-of-the-Nation-Address (SONA) report, DILG Secretary Eduardo Año cited the Philippine national Police (PNP) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for their “incessant toil and groundwork’’ as 52 percent of the 21,891 barangays nationwide are now declared drug free.
He noted that P59.14 billion worth of illegal drugs were seized by the anti-narcotics agents from drug syndicates where 289,622 drug personalities were arrested and are now languishing behind bars which included 12,069 high value targets (HVT).
In the various operations, Año reported that 784 drug dens at clandestine laboratories were dismantled adding that in the last six years “we saw the biggest voluntary surrender of 1,222,363 drug users and personalities which is “a feat that has never been seen in the country's history.’’
“These drug surrenders have undergone the PNP's recover wellness program where 48 percent are now living a normal life far from the perils brought by illegal drugs. The past six years was quick but monumental for the DILG especially in its pursuit towards a safer, more peaceful and more progressive Philippines,’’ Año said.
The DILG chief also cited the consistent downtrend in the number of index crimes like murder, homicide, rape and robbery among others with theft registering almost 50 percent decrease in 2020.
“The continuous augmentation of police forces in communities and procurement of equipment likewise contributed in the dwindling crime rate and in realizing the ideal ratio of 1 police officer for 500 citizens,’’ it added.
On the President’s strict order, Año stated that 17,142 rogue cops were subjected to disciplinary actions and sanctions over the course of four years since 2017 with 906 being dismissed from the service.
He attributed the government’s anti-criminality success to the concerted efforts of the governors, mayors, barangay captains and other local officials who exhibited full cooperation and support to the enhaced institutions such as the anti-drug abuse councils and peace and orders councils.
“Ngayon tinatamasa na ng mga Pilipino ang bunga nito at kumpyansa sila sa pulisya at mas naging panatag sa kanilang araw araw na pamumuhay (Now the Filipinos are enjoying its fruits and they trust the police and they have more peace of mind in their everyday lives),’’ Año noted.
In the latest Gallup Global Law and Order Report, Año revealed that eight out of 10 Filipinos now believe that they are safe and secured with the dramatic decrease of crime volume in the country.
He added that the Philippines is among the top 50 countries with efficient peace and order campaign schemes tying with Australia, New Zealand, Poland and Serbia all with index 84 scores.
As a testament to the country’s anti-corruption drive, Año disclosed that 97 barangay captains were charged before the Office of the Ombudsman with 89 being issued preventive suspensions due to Social Amelioration Program (SAP) related anomalies.
With the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic lurking in the country, Año pointed out that the DILG guided the local government units (LGUs) to ensure that the policies of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) are followed to prevent the spread of the virus.
He said that the Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams (BHERTs) are in coordination with the Local COVID-19 Task Force in addressing the pandemic woes.
To assist in intensifying the country’s contact tracing efforts, Año said a total of 50,880 contact tracers were hired by the DILG “leading to 1,996,335 close contacts successfully traced and assessed.’’ (Chito A. Chavez)