Palace: Filipinos are safer, anti-crime drive on track

Malacañang said that Filipinos are now safer despite the result of the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey which showed that 1.4 million families fell prey to common crimes.

The results revealed last Thursday showed that 6.1 percent said they were victimized by common crimes like pickpocketing or robbery, break-ins, car theft and physical violence in the past six months.

The said figure is also higher than the 1.2 million families or 5.3 percent that reported victimization of common crimes in June this year.

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said that the survey results is identical to the statistic for the same period last year, and is the lowest third quarter figure since 2010.

"Although 0.7 percent higher than the second quarter, this is the lowest third quarter crime victimization reported in recent years, the highest being 13 percent in September 2010," he said Saturday.

Panelo also reiterated the administration's consistent stand that Filipinos are now safer because of the government's efforts to end criminality.

"Significant strides have been made by the current administration through its war against criminality, including those related to illegal drugs," he said.

"Indeed, Filipinos now feel safer knowing fully well the government's stance against criminals and drug pushers," he added.

The Palace official also said that those who continue to criticize Duterte's policies cannot accept the achievements of the administration or are connected to illegal acts.

"It also becomes clear that those who remain to dissent the President's policies are either people who are connected with illegal activities or politicians belonging to the opposition, as well as their blind followers, who cannot accept the feats of the government," Panelo said.

Panelo then said that the Palace will not be complacent despite the achievements the administration was able to reach for the past two years.

"This achievement, however, will not render us complacent. As PRRD said, his campaign against criminality and illegal narcotics shall be pursued until the last day of his term to ensure that our streets are completely safe from criminals, drug personalities and other rogue elements," he said.