President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s commitment to prioritizing the protection of lives under the rule of law, upholding democratic freedoms, and rejecting the politics of fear remains the government’s approach in addressing crime and illegal drugs, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Tuesday.

Remulla said the administration’s strategy is anchored on 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 do not have to kill innocent people, that we can have a better program to stop the drug problem and crime, and that we can use technology and invest in our police force to make things better,” he said.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government chief cited anti-corruption demonstrations in September and November as proof of the government’s commitment to restraint and professionalism.

“The President gave me very clear instructions: ‘You are not to use lethal means at any point.’ That is the extent of our action,” Remulla said.

He noted that despite provocations, the Philippine National Police strictly adhered to non-lethal protocols, with more police officers injured than protesters.

“I had four policemen with severe concussions; two of them did not regain consciousness for three days. One had an eleven-inch gash on his forearm. He was struck with a bat with nails at the end. I felt deep sympathy for the police. They were being doused with water from drainage canals,” he said.

Remulla said the President listens and is actively addressing national concerns.

“I can personally say that the President heard every word that was said. He knows what they are feeling and what is happening. He is putting in place the proper agenda to fix everything, no matter how difficult it is,” he said.

On anti-drug efforts, Remulla reported progress in supply interdiction.

“The usual supply in the Philippines is 16 tons of pure drugs, which are then diluted. In one year alone, we managed to interdict six tons,” he said.

“It shows that consumption-side interdiction does not work. It is really the supply side that works better,” he added.