MANILA -- contrary to what critics say, the government's war on drugs is "well-received" by the public, Malacañang insists on Sunday.

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella made the statement after the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) boasted of the results of a Pulse Asia survey showing that 82 percent of residents in Metro Manila feel safer because of the government's anti-narcotics campaign.

"The administration’s drug war is well-received by the people on the ground in sharp contrast to the gloom and hopelessness depicted by the President’s critics," he said.

• READ: 4 out of 5 Pinoys in Metro Manila feel safer because of war on illegal drugs: NCRPO

He added that the public's response motivates the administration to continue its crackdown on illegal drugs.

"This favorable public sentiment gives us strong impetus to surge ahead in our anti-drug campaign and hope that we continually get the cooperation of the community, and even support of the clergy, especially in the implementation of a rehabilitation program for tokhang surrenderers," he said.

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police Chief, Director General Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, said the figures show that the police force is "doing the right thing" in addressing the drug problem in the country.

"The survey results presented by Pulse Asia is an eye-opener and an indication that we are doing the right thing; that the eradication of drugs and the preservation of peace and order are what the people are clamoring for," he said.

Human rights groups have raised concerns of extrajudicial killings and human rights violations over the 7,000 deaths related to the drug war.