By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported on Thursday that 48,257 violators of local ordinances were apprehended in Metro Manila during the first three days of the intensified enforcement of the Safer Cities Initiative, which aims to promote discipline and strengthen peace and order in the metropolis.
Data from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) showed 23,376 violators were apprehended from April 7 to 8, following 24,881 violators from April 6 to 7.
From April 7 to 8, the Southern Police District (SPD) recorded the highest number of apprehensions with 9,503 violators, followed by the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) with 4,336, the Northern Police District (NPD) with 3,878, the Eastern Police District (EPD) with 2,916, and the Manila Police District (MPD) with 2,743.
Of these, 7,389 were fined, 403 were charged in court, while 15,584 were warned and released.
Records show that the most common violations were drinking and smoking in public places (7,300), followed by roaming streets without shirts (2,543), curfew violations involving minors (2,070), and videoke or karaoke beyond allowed hours (572).
The remaining 12,485 cases were classified under other violations such as loitering, public disturbance, and similar local ordinance infractions.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the figures show the steady implementation of police efforts on the ground.
“Patuloy lang ang ating pagpapaalala at pagpapatupad ng mga ordinansa. Nakikita natin na mas nagiging maayos ang paligid kapag may presensya ang pulis (We will continue to remind and enforce the ordinances. We see that the environment becomes more orderly when the police are present.),” he said in a statement.
Nartatez also called on the public to cooperate and stay mindful of community rules.
“Makiisa po tayo — sumunod sa simpleng alituntunin, iwasan ang paglabag, at igalang ang kapwa. Maliit na bagay pero malaking tulong sa kaayusan (Please cooperate — follow simple rules, avoid violations, and respect others. Small things but a big help for peace and order).”
The PNP reminded the public to avoid drinking and smoking in public places, observe proper decorum, including wearing appropriate clothing, ensure minors comply with curfew hours, and be mindful of noise regulations, such as videoke use, along with other local ordinances.
The PNP assured that operations will remain continuous, fair, and respectful of human rights, in close coordination with local government units and barangay officials.
Meanwhile, NCRPO chief, Major General Anthony Aberin dismissed groups calling their safer cities initiative operations across NCR as anti-poor, saying the program enforces local ordinances equally for all residents.
“It’s not anti-poor because what we’re enforcing here is an ordinance. Those who crafted these ordinances were voted by them. They are their representatives who make the law,” Aberin said in a radio interview when sought for a comment on the statement issued by Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan (SPARK) denouncing the initiative as prone to abuse and warning that it could encourage profiling and harassment.
He noted that violators of minor offenses are usually warned, fined, or charged, and only those involved in more serious offenses or repeat violations are detained.
He also reiterated that the police strictly enforce fair implementation regardless of the individual’s social status.
“We do not discriminate, whether you are rich or poor, our implementation is equal,” Aberin said. (PNA)
