Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Friday touted a diminished problem with drugs and crime within the country despite the lack of bloodshed.

“We managed to wage this campaign against drugs without killing anyone. Hindi tayo pumapatay ng tao, pero nareresolba natin unti-unti ang problema sa droga,” he told the media during a press briefing.

The Interior Secretary said there was no point in killing ordinary Filipinos who use “shabu,” also known as crystal meth or methamphetamine hydrochloride, when there is a larger drug syndicate that must be targeted.

“Kung dati ‘to, on the spot, pinatay na (‘yung mga drug suspects). Pero, paano mo makukuha ang mas malalim na sindikato rito? Paano mo makukuha lahat ‘yan? We are going after the big fish. Hindi po tayo naghahanap ng nagtitinda ng fishball, hindi tayo naghahanap ng pedicab driver, hindi tayo naghahanap ng ordinaryong manggagawa na may dala na isang grama ng shabu. Hinahanap natin ‘yung mga big time. Kinukuha natin ‘yung gano’ng klaseng seizure,” he stated.

Remulla was firm that all must undergo due process, respecting drug suspects’ basic human rights.

“This administration is against EJK (extra-judicial killings). We respect human rights. Naniniwala ako na hindi tayo magpo-progreso bilang bansa, bilang Pilipino, bilang Pilipinas kung papatayin mo ang suspetsa lang. Kailangang dumaan sa tamang proseso,” he said.

The interception of prohibited substances leads to higher costs, less consumption, and thus, reduced crime rates, Remulla said.

“Less drugs supply, higher price. Less consumption, lower crime. Umakyat ang presyo ng droga dahil sa interdiction. Bumaba ang crime rate ng Pilipinas. At nararamdaman na ‘yan. And again, you connect it: high level of interdiction and whole-of-nation approach, higher prices of shabu, lowering of crime, the higher trust rating ng ating Philippine National Police (PNP). There is a direct effect for interdiction,” he said.

Remulla claimed that shabu is mainly manufactured overseas, although there have been rare instances of such activity locally. He pointed out that most drug suspects apprehended recently are Chinese nationals who offer drugs.

The PNP reported that in February, the crime rate declined by 19.96 percent.