Republic of the Philippines

Close Coordination among LGUs and Police Leads to Swift Resolution of Cavite Road Rage Case – Remulla Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla today said that the road rage incident in Dasmariñas, Cavite, on Wednesday,  August 27, 2025, where a Meralco employee was fatally shot, can be considered solved following the filing of a murder case against the suspect as a result of the collaboration between the local government units (LGUs) and the police. “This is a crime-solved situation,”  Remulla said, saying the local authorities worked and cooperated with the police for the manhunt and eventual surrender of the suspect. “If the local government and the PNP work together, marami tayong malulutas na problema. Dito, ang Mayor, ang Governor, at Barangay Captain, yung tatlong sangay ng local government, nagtulungan para makuha ang suspect agad,” he added. Remulla presented the suspect, who was identified as Jeffrey Alindog, 44, of Dasmarinas, Cavite to the members of the media during a press conference in Quezon City.  The gunman was identified through  CCTV footages and eyewitness accounts. With the DILG Secretary during the presscon were Philippine National Police acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., National Police Commission Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan, Cavite Governor Francisco Gabriel Remulla, and Imus City Mayor Alex Advincula. Police reports said that Alindog was riding a red Toyota Corolla with plate number TPJ-294 when he edged closely beside the company vehicle driven by the victim, Mayo Jonel Santos, a Meralco employee, along Jose Abad Santos Avenue.  A few moments later,  the driver of the red car reportedly shot the victim in the head and fled after the incident as shown in CCTV footages. He was declared dead on arrival at a nearby hospital. The suspect is now in the custody of the Philippine National Police and is facing murder charges. The DILG continues to call on LGUs to strengthen their partnerships with the PNP and other law enforcement agencies, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for a whole-of-government approach to peace, justice, and public safety. ###

DILG Statement on the Enactment of RA 12232 Strengthening Barangay and SK Governance The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) welcomes the signing of Republic Act No. 12232 by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., which grants barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials four-year terms and sets the next elections in November 2026. The new law gives local leaders greater opportunity to plan, implement, and sustain programs that will bring genuine and lasting change in their communities. Dahil sa batas na ito, mas malawak ang pagkakataon ng mga barangay at SK officials na makapagpatupad ng makabuluhang pagbabago at makapaglingkod nang tapat sa bawat barangay. It also introduces clear term limits: three consecutive terms for barangay officials and one full term for SK leaders in the same position. This strengthens both continuity and accountability in local governance. The DILG will work closely with all stakeholders to ensure the law’s effective implementation. This reform reflects the Marcos administration’s commitment to stronger grassroots leadership and more empowered communities across the nation. ###

  Universal Health Care Is the Great Equalizer, Says DILG Chief Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Thursday underscored the urgent need for a whole-of-government effort to achieve Universal Health Care (UHC), calling it the “widest part of the bridge” that connects the poor to a life of dignity and security. Speaking at the National Universal Health Care Summit in Mandaluyong City, Secretary Remulla said: “There is only one mission that is primordial for all of us—to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor. And that bridge, the widest part of that bridge, is healthcare.” He emphasized that the drive for UHC is not only a social imperative but also aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to expand access to affordable and quality health services for every Filipino.  “We have many concerns. There is criminality, there is injustice, there is inequality. But health is the overriding principle towards all of that. If poor people have the same access to health as the rich, then we can say we have done our jobs,” he added. Remulla also pointed out that health-related costs remain the top cause for financial collapse of Filipino families. “The number one cause of bankruptcy in the Philippines is health. It’s not business. It’s not gambling. It is health,” he stressed. The DILG Chief also recognized the efforts of local government leaders who are advancing health service delivery. These include Quezon Governor Helen Tan for bringing services closer to the people during the pandemic, Batangas Vice Governor Hermilando Mandanas for strengthening LGU empowerment through the Mandanas ruling, and Quirino Governor Dax Cua for ensuring health services reach even remote areas. He further expressed support for the President and the Department of Health’s zero-billing program under UHC, describing it as a transformative initiative. “Let us find that bridge. Let us narrow that gap.Let’s be together in forging that path to universal healthcare that we all deserve.” he said. ###  

DILG and UNDP Launch Circular Solutions Innovation Challenge to Accelerate Green Innovation in Local Communities The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), officially launches the Circular Solutions Innovation Challenge, a key initiative under the European Union–Philippines Green Economy Programme. The Challenge seeks to identify and support innovative, market-ready solutions from micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), startups, and local innovators to address critical environmental issues at the community level. With support of up to ₱2.28 million (€35,000) in grant funding per selected proposal, as well as expert mentoring and implementation support, the Challenge invites qualified applicants to propose practical solutions in the following priority areas: Reduction of plastic and organic waste, promotion of sustainable tourism practices and development of greener and more circular local economies. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to work directly with participating local government units (LGUs), which have developed localized circular economy roadmaps and identified areas where innovation can deliver meaningful impact. The program is being piloted in ten LGUs across the country, including Baguio City, Pasig City, Quezon City, Iloilo City, Davao City, and Puerto Princesa, among others. Selected innovations will be co-implemented with these LGUs, ensuring alignment with community needs and policy priorities. “This initiative reinforces our commitment to enabling local governments to work with MSMEs and innovators to create sustainable solutions grounded in local realities,” said DILG Assistant Secretary Lilian De Leon. Dr. Marco Gemmer of the European Union emphasized the value of local entrepreneurship: “The knowledge, creativity, and entrepreneurship of MSMEs can drive solutions that improve lives and create green jobs.” UNDP Resident Representative Dr. Selva Ramachandran noted that the approach ensures sustainability: “By fostering innovation through a portfolio of community-aligned solutions, we are supporting a transition that is innovative, integrated, and locally owned.” This initiative is part of the EU-supported Green Economy Programme, a five-year multi-stakeholder effort led by the DILG and implemented in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), civil society, and private sector partners. It aims to advance the Philippines’ shift toward a circular, inclusive, and sustainable economy. Call for Proposals Now Open “The deadline for submissions is 26 September 2025. Interested parties may submit proposals via the official UNDP portal: https://go.undp.org/wgtreater,” Remulla affirmed. ###

  The Government the People Deserve”: DILG Chief Calls on Diplomats to Be Partners in National Renewal Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla called on members of the diplomatic corps to share the story of a Bagong Pilipinas, one that is restoring trust, ensuring public safety, and delivering a government truly deserving of the Filipino people. “I only hope you will give a kind word to your countrymen about what the Philippines is all about. It’s about 110 million Filipinos generally kind, obedient, serving, hospitable… We are a nation of caregivers and people who actually do care for each other. We are a great country and we are about to be greater,” Remulla said during the Consular Corps 8th General Membership Meeting in Makati. Addressing ambassadors, consuls, and honorary envoys, the DILG Chief acknowledged the country’s challenges while presenting the reforms already underway under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. “I’m here to tell you that crime really is down, the drug war is working, and the streets are safer,” he stressed. He underscored the President’s clear directive to root out corruption, hold the guilty accountable, and ensure that public funds benefit the people. “Ladies and gentlemen, the Philippines is in good hands. We have a very capable and very dedicated President. And the Cabinet is here behind him. If people serve with clarity and sincerity of purpose, then people see that there is a chance that they will get the government that they deserve.” Among the key reforms he highlighted were the recalibrated anti-drug campaign which intercepted nearly 6 tons of methamphetamine in under a year, the nationwide rollout of a unified 911 emergency response system, and the fast-tracked installation of 30,000 additional telecom towers to strengthen digital connectivity and emergency response capacity across more than 7,000 islands. But Remulla emphasized that progress must be felt most by ordinary working Filipinos. “We have to give a government that the people deserve. We have to give a government that the people think should be befitting of the taxes that come out when they look at their paycheck.” He urged the consular corps to become advocates of a transforming Philippines, one that is rebuilding from the ground up with transparency, humility, and decisive action. “The Philippines is about to be greater,” Remulla affirmed. ###  

  DILG: Philippines Pushes Outcome-Based Tracking in ASEAN Anti-Trafficking Efforts The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reaffirmed the Philippines’ strong commitment to combat trafficking in persons in the ASEAN region by pushing for outcome-based monitoring of regional efforts, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for data-driven governance and strengthened regional cooperation. As lead agency for the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC)-Philippines, the DILG underscored the importance of using the Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting, and Learning (MERL) Framework to measure not just activities, but the actual results and impact of anti-trafficking initiatives. This direction is fully aligned with the ASEAN Convention against Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (ACTIP). “We have collectively laid the groundwork by establishing the necessary tools and processes to strengthen our regional system for monitoring and reporting on trafficking in persons,” said DILG Assistant Secretary Lilian De Leon. To help ASEAN stakeholders apply the MERL system effectively, SOMTC-Philippines recently organized the 1st ASEAN Workshop on Monitoring and Reporting of the MERL Framework. The workshop trained officials from ASEAN Member States and sectoral bodies on data harmonization, reporting tools, and coordinated implementation of the ASEAN Multi-Sectoral Work Plan Against Trafficking in Persons 2023–2028 (Bohol TIP Work Plan 2.0). De Leon urged ASEAN partners to sustain momentum and deepen cooperation. “For the good of ASEAN and in recognition of the valuable contributions of each one, let us carry out this programme with excellence and shared purpose — toward lasting impact and benefit for our entire region,” she said. The Philippines will continue this push with the hosting of the 2nd MERL Workshop in Manila in February 2026, reinforcing the country’s leadership in promoting evidence-based action and shared accountability across ASEAN. This initiative is supported by the ASEAN-Australia Counter Trafficking (ASEAN-ACT) program. ###  

DILG, DBM Roll Out P700M Aid to 44 LGUs for Water Systems, Evacuation Centers The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) have released a total of P700 million in financial assistance to 44 local government units (LGUs) to support projects on sustainable water supply and climate-resilient evacuation centers. DILG Undersecretary Marlo Iringan and DBM Undersecretary Willford Will Ong led the distribution of checks to the 44 beneficiary municipalities after signing a Joint Memorandum Circular that provides guidelines for the effective implementation of projects under the Local Government Support Fund – Support and Assistance to Participatory Budgeting (LGSF-SAFPB) for FY 2025. The DILG affirmed that SAFPB is a critical instrument in advancing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive for accountable, responsive, and inclusive governance. “SAFPB localizes our commitment to the Philippine Open Government Partnership by empowering LGUs to deliver projects that reflect community priorities,” Iringan said, delivering the message of DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla. Of the 44 LGUs, 35 received P13.33 million each for the development of water supply systems and sanitation projects. These LGUs were selected based on low income classification, the presence of existing municipality-managed water utilities, available water sources, and their preparation of a Municipal Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene Master Plan (MWSSMP). Meanwhile, 9 LGUs received P25.92 million each for the establishment of climate-smart evacuation centers. These LGUs were prioritized due to their vulnerability to disasters, lack of permanent evacuation facilities, and high poverty incidence. Iringan described the program as “development work in action,” while DBM reiterated its commitment to allocate national resources for initiatives that directly uplift the quality of life of Filipino families. The SAFPB program also strengthens participatory governance by engaging Local Development Councils, which include representatives from LGUs and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), to ensure that projects respond to actual community needs. Through the SAFPB, the DILG underscores participatory governance that listens, engages, and empowers communities to share in decision-making, resulting in better and more sustainable outcomes for the Filipino people. ###

Statement of the Department On the Change of Command of the Philippine National Police The Palace affirms that President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has made the difficult but necessary decision to relieve PNP Chief PGen Nicolas Torre III of his duties. The President believes that his national security apparatus must always work within the framework of the law. With the recent developments, the President was presented with the facts and he determined that the best course of action is to uphold the role of Napolcom as it was intended by law. As part of this resolution, the President decided to relieve PGen Torre. This was not an easy choice, but it was made in the national interest. The President is committed to ensuring a unified direction and collaboration across all areas in his cabinet, particularly those responsible for delivering security, peace, and order. The President expresses his thanks and gratitude to PGen Torre, as his brief tenure brought new life and energy into the PNP. Nevertheless, the mission must continue. The Filipinos must be safe. To this end, the President has directed the incoming PNP Chief, together with the Secretary of the DILG, to present within one month a comprehensive citizen security strategy focused on increasing police presence throughout the country and ensuring that every Filipino feels secure in their communities. ###

DILG Marks National Heroes Day by Honoring LGUs as Champions of Heritage, Tourism, and Public Safety The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) joins the nation in commemorating National Heroes Day by honoring not only the sacrifices of our heroes but also the living spirit of heroism carried by local government units (LGUs) in their everyday work. Across the country, LGUs continue to protect cultural treasures, preserve traditions, and transform heritage into opportunities for sustainable tourism. Each initiative that restores a landmark, celebrates a festival, or nurtures local culture mirrors the courage and dedication of the heroes who shaped our nation. These efforts generate livelihoods, strengthen community pride, and ensure that Filipino identity remains vibrant for generations to come. This commitment is reinforced in the Department’s governance framework, where fostering the value of sustainable tourism and nurturing culture and heritage is part of the Seal of Good Local Governance criteria under Memorandum Circular 2024-064. By weaving culture and tourism into local development, LGUs show that progress must also mean preserving identity while creating opportunities for their people. The DILG also affirms that community safety is a vital part of progress. With the rollout of the enhanced 911 Emergency Response System in key cities this year, local responders will be better equipped to answer emergencies swiftly. Secretary Jonvic Remulla stressed that “we’ve invested heavily to make the country one of the safest in the world,” noting that public safety is also a cornerstone of building trust and confidence in local destinations. On this day of remembrance, the DILG calls on LGUs to carry forward the heroism of the past by leading with pride, preserving heritage, and protecting their people. National Heroes Day is not only a tribute to those who came before us. It is a reminder that heroism is alive in every LGU leader who governs with integrity, in every responder who saves lives, and in every Filipino who chooses service above self for a stronger and prouder Bagong Pilipinas.###