By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan

ARRESTED. Manila Mayor Isko Moreno presents on April 7, 2026 the two suspects allegedly involved in the holdup of a female rider. The Philippine National Police on Sunday (April 12) said the initial implementation of the Safer Metro Manila Plan April 6 to 11 has resulted in 61,549 cases addressed. (Screengrab from City of Government Manila FB)

MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday said the initial implementation of the Safer Metro Manila Plan has resulted in 61,549 cases addressed April 6 to 11 in coordination with local government units (LGUs) and village officials.

In a news release, the PNP said most cases involved drinking and smoking in public places (18,904), followed by roaming without shirts (5,894), minors violating curfew hours (5,232), and karaoke beyond allowed hours (1,276).

Other ordinance violations accounted for 30,243 cases.

In terms of case disposition, 39,205 individuals were warned or released; 21,317 were fined; and 1,027 cases were filed in court.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the results highlight the importance of sustained police visibility and close coordination with communities and local government units.

“Malinaw na kapag tuloy-tuloy ang presensya ng pulis at maayos ang koordinasyon sa LGU at barangay, mas nagiging maayos ang sitwasyon sa komunidad (It is clear that when the police presence is continuous and coordination with the LGU and barangay is good, the situation in the community improves),” he said.

The initiative is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure safer and more orderly communities.

Meanwhile, Nartatez ordered an intensive case build-up against a suspect involved in a violent buy-bust that claimed the life of a police officer in Bacolod City on April 9.

Master Sgt. Romulo Galvez, a member of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) Police Station 9 drug enforcement team, was killed by a 32-year-old drug suspect during a buy-bust in Barangay Sincang.

Nartatez has directed the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region and BCPO to ensure the legal case against the arrested suspect is airtight.

He instructed local commanders to utilize all available resources to expedite the process.

Likewise, Nartatez said the PNP will provide full assistance and benefits to the bereaved family of the fallen officer. (Christopher Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)