Palace refutes Duterte’s claim, says PH safer, more secure under PBBM

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin. (PNA File Photo)

By Darryl John Esguerra, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – Malacañang on Monday refuted the claim of former President Rodrigo Duterte that crime remains rampant in the Philippines, stressing that the country and Filipinos are safer under the Marcos administration.

In a statement, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said there has been a “widespread decline in crime across the board”, citing data from the Philippine National Police.

“Moreover, we have achieved stability and maintained peace and order in our country without foregoing due process nor setting aside the basic human rights of any Filipino,” Bersamin stressed.

Duterte attended on Monday the Senate hearing on his administration’s bloody anti-drug campaign.

In his opening statement, the former president defended his controversial war on drugs, saying he did what he had to do to rid the country of the drug menace.

Duterte also said the end of his administration in 2022 allowed criminals, especially drug suspects, to resurface and return to their illicit activities.

He even mentioned the recent drug raid inside the Malacañang complex in San Miguel Manila, which Bersamin said was “based on outdated information.”

“In that case, one suspect was arrested, drug paraphernalia was seized, and his partner is now being pursued by law enforcement,” Bersamin said.

“All of this shows that our country is safer, our people more secure, and our future more assured than ever before under the stewardship of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.,” he added.

Duterte made the war against drugs the centerpiece of his administration from July 2016 to June 2022, which was marred with questions on human rights violations and so-called extrajudicial killings.