Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Friday said the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) record-high public trust and satisfaction ratings reflect the growing sense of safety among Filipinos and the continuing decline in crime across the country.

Citing the latest Tugon ng Masa survey conducted by OCTA Research, Remulla noted that 63 percent of Filipinos expressed trust in the PNP, while 61 percent said they were satisfied with the performance of the national police force.

The DILG chief said the results show that ongoing reforms and intensified police visibility are beginning to restore public confidence in law enforcement.

“This is not just about numbers in a survey. It means more Filipinos are beginning to feel safer in their communities again,” Remulla said.

He recalled President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive for the PNP to not only reduce crime, but also strengthen police visibility so Filipinos feel safer in their communities.

“Hindi sapat na nababawasan natin ‘yung krimen. Kailangan nakikita yung pulis para feeling safe naman yung mga tao,” the President earlier said.

According to Remulla, the improved public perception of the PNP is the result of the hard work and sacrifices of police personnel nationwide, as well as the institutional reforms implemented under the leadership of PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr..

He said the government’s intensified public safety initiatives, including the Safer Cities program and expanded police presence in communities, have contributed to the steady decline in crime rates.

“Crime has reduced by 30 to 40 percent and up to 80 percent in some areas. Rape is down by 80 percent, physical injuries are down by 60 percent, theft is down by 30 percent. Ang daming metrics ng crime ang bumaba,” Remulla said.

The DILG Secretary admitted that when he first assumed office, public perception of the police institution was far more negative.

“May isang big time na nagsabi sa akin, sabi niya, ‘There is no organized crime syndicate in the Philippines except for the PNP,’ and I wanted to prove him wrong,” he shared.

Remulla said the gains made by the PNP prove that institutional reforms, stronger police visibility, and sustained public safety efforts are beginning to restore public confidence in law enforcement.

He also commended police personnel across the country for their continued dedication to service, saying the improving crime situation and rising public trust ratings reflect the commitment of the organization to protect communities and keep Filipinos safe.