The commitment of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to protect lives while upholding the rule of law remains firm, Jonvic Remulla, Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), said on Tuesday.

Remulla stressed that under the Marcos administration, the government’s approach to combating crime and illegal drugs is grounded in the rule of law, respect for human rights, and accountability.

“I think, more than anything, the President is giving hope. That we can do things better. That we don’t have to kill innocent people. That we can have a better program to stop the drug problem and crimes. That we can use technology and invest in our police force to make things better,” he said.

The DILG chief cited the government’s handling of anti-corruption demonstrations in September and November as proof of restraint and professionalism, saying Marcos had given explicit instructions against the use of lethal force.

“The President gave me very clear instructions: ‘You are not to use lethal means at any point.’ So, hanggang d’un lang kami,” Remulla said.

He noted that despite provocations, the Philippine National Police (PNP) strictly followed non-lethal protocols, even as more police officers were injured than protesters.

“I had four policemen with severe concussions, dalawa hindi nagising for three days. One had a gash that’s eleven inches long in his forearm. Hinampas [sa kanya] yung bat na may pako sa dulo. Awang awa ako sa mga pulis n’un. Tinatapunan sila ng tubig galing sa kanal,” he said.

Remulla also assured the public that the President listens closely to citizens’ concerns and is actively working to address them.

“I can personally say that the President heard every word that they said. That he knows what they’re feeling and he knows what’s going on. He’s putting in the proper agenda to fix everything, no matter how difficult it is,” he said.

On anti-drug efforts, Remulla reported progress in supply-side interdiction, noting that authorities have intercepted a significant portion of illegal drugs entering the country.

“The usual supply in the Philippines is 16 tons pure, then it’s cut up. In this one year alone, we managed to interdict 6 tons,” he said.

“It goes to show that consumption side interdiction does not work. It’s really the supply side which works better,” he added.

To strengthen accountability, Remulla said the DILG has procured around 20,000 body cameras for the PNP and the Bureau of Fire Protection.

Remulla reiterated the administration’s push to rebuild public trust in government.

“The Filipinos love the Philippines. They just hate the government. We need to give them hope that there is a better government ahead. That good governance is possible,” he said.