PNP Counters ‘ITIM’ Ad with Crime Data
PNP – The Philippine National Police has expressed disagreement with the claims made in the “ITIM” campaign ad released by reelectionist Senator Imee Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte. The ad allegedly suggests a rise in criminal activity across the country—an assertion the PNP says does not reflect the actual situation.
During a press briefing at Malacañang on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, PNP Major General Roderick Augustus Alba, Director of the Police Community Relations Office, addressed the issue directly. He emphasized that the PNP remains committed to its ongoing campaign against all forms of crime and lawlessness. “But we can only speak of what we have,” Alba said, noting that their records paint a very different picture from what the ad implies.
According to Alba, the crime rate in the Philippines has significantly decreased in 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. He reported a 26% drop in crime from January to April of this year. This data, Alba said, is what the PNP will continue to rely on when assessing public safety and reporting to the public.
Alba also assured the public that the PNP will not be swayed by the negative tone of the campaign material. While he acknowledged that people are entitled to their own opinions, he stressed that the police force must stay focused on its mission. “We respect yung perception ng ating mga community, but we speak of our duties na dapat naming ipinapatupad. We should not be affected by this negativities kung mayroon man,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the “ITIM” campaign advertisement is a political endorsement video featuring Senator Imee Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte, released in April 2025. The title “ITIM” stands for “Inday Trusts Imee Marcos,” with “Inday” being a nickname for Vice President Duterte. In the ad, both Marcos and Duterte wear black to symbolize mourning and solidarity, which they say represents the country’s current condition due to various issues like crime and injustice. The release of the “ITIM” ad has sparked political discussion, especially in light of the recent arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte.