DESPITE the controversy triggered by the seizure of 990 kilograms of shabu worth P6.7 billion and the subsequent drug pilferage in October last year, eight out of 10 Filipinos still continue to trust and have expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Philippines.

The 2023 1st quarter survey taken by the independent group OCTA Research has elated the PNP leadership headed by General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. who has vowed to continue working to bring back the trust and confidence of the people to the 228,000-strong police force.

The PNP chief said that amid their continuing efforts to muster the full support of the citizenry in addressing criminality, major crimes in the country also went down from January to date even as the police force continued to register huge drug seizures since the start of the year.

The top cop said the first week of May showcased the continuing decline in peace and order indicators (POIs) particularly index crime which dropped by 10.59 percent from 15,064 in January to May 13, 2022, to 13,469 in 2023 of the same date.

He added that the Average Monthly Index Crime Rate also decreased by 8.51 percent from 13.87 in 2022 to 12.69 in 2023.

The PNP chief explained that focus crimes which include murder, homicide, physical injury, robbery, theft, rape, and carnapping of motor vehicles went down by 10.66 percent from 14,990 cases in 2022 to 13,392 cases in 2023.

Notably, he said that incidents of physical injury recorded the highest decrease of 25.68 percent from 2,142 incidents in 2022 to 1,592 cases in 2023.

“This continuing decrease of incidents is attributed to the consistent implementation of numerous policies, such as intensified police visibility, intelligence-driven operations, community-based programs, strengthened partnerships with other agencies, and improved crime reporting and monitoring systems,” said Gen. Acorda.

The PNP chief also said that police units nationwide continue operations against big-time drug pushers and street-level drug personalities.

He added that since last January, police agents have already seized some P5.68 billion worth of shabu and other prohibited drugs.

Anti-narcotics operations from January 1 to May 13 this year likewise led to the arrest of 22,826 drug offenders. Gen. Acorda said the suspects arrested as a result of 17, 202 operations anti-drug searches, buy-busts and interdiction operations are now facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

The PNP chief at the same time renewed their commitment to maintain peace and order in the country as he vowed to continue all efforts to curb criminal activities.

Gen. Acorda lauded the 17 Police Regional Offices and the different National Operational Support Units for their role in reducing crime nationwide even as he acknowledged the importance of the community’s participation in maintaining public safety.

“We thank the public for their unwavering support and cooperation, which contributed to the reduction of crime rates in the country. We assure the public that we will continue our intensified operations against criminal activities, and we call on everyone to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities,” he added.

The PNP highly welcomed the OCTA Research survey which showed that 80 percent of Filipinos are satisfied with the police force’s performance in maintaining peace and order in the country.

The Tugon ng Masa Survey conducted by OCTA Research showed that eight out of 10 Filipinos or 80 percent of those surveyed nationwide trust the PNP while nearly 8 out of 10 or 79 percent expressed satisfaction with the police performance.

The survey showed that trust and satisfaction levels vary across regions and socio-economic classes but overall, the 228,000-strong police force continues to enjoy the support of majority of Filipinos.

It also showed that a significant minority of Filipinos or 41 percent perceive an improvement in the PNP’s implementation of peace and order while 41 percent believe that its response to criminality has also improved.

“However, we acknowledge the concerns of those who feel the opposite and will address their feedback accordingly,” said PNP Public Information Office chief, newly-promoted Brigadier Gen. Redrico A. Maranan.

The official said they fully welcome the result of the survey.

“ This is a clear manifestation of the trust and confidence of majority of the Filipinos to their police. Indeed, the unwavering dedication of each member of the PNP reflects truly in the result of this survey,” Brig. Gen. Maranan said.

“This is also a testament that despite some issues hounding the PNP, majority of the people are still appreciating the everyday sacrifices of every police officer patrolling in every corner of the streets, investigating crimes, conducting operations against criminals and assisting those who are in need,” he added.

The PNP-PIO chief also said that the latest OCTA Research survey will further motivate and inspire the police force in continuing to give its best in protecting and serving the Filipino people.

“The PNP is committed to upholding professionalism, integrity, and service to the Filipino people. We are grateful for the continued trust and satisfaction expressed by most Filipinos,” he said.

Brig. Gen. Maranan explained that they always value the feedback provided by the survey.

“It serves as a reminder of our responsibility to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, and integrity even as we remain steadfast in our commitment to improving our performance and working towards a safer and more secure Philippines,” he said.

On behalf of Gen. Acorda and the rest of the police force, Maranan thanked OCTA Research for conducting the survey as he assured that they will seriously take the citizen’s feedback into account.

Gen. Acorda’s ‘Serbisyong Nagkakaisa’ program or unified service to the people will also ensure that their actions will be fully in consonance with police operational procedures and with the full observance of human rights their main concern.

“We are committed to ensuring that our operations are transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of the communities we serve. We recognize that our success as one police force is rooted in our ability to work hand in hand with other law enforcement agencies, the military, and the public,” the 29th PNP chief said.