By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – More than 72,000 violators have been apprehended across Metro Manila under the “Safer Cities” initiative of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
“As of this day, we already have 72,000 plus violators since April 6. The daily average is 6,000 to 7,000 violators,” National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin said in an interview Wednesday.
The campaign enforces ordinances such as a 10 p.m. curfew for minors, ban on public drinking, and restrictions on shirtless roaming and late-night videoke.
Aberin said officers were told to act with compassion and discretion in enforcement of the ordinances.
“At the same time, let’s also observe human rights, observance of police operational procedures and maximum tolerance, and if we can give it, let’s just give a warning first,” he said.
The initiative drew criticism after a man in Mandaluyong City was apprehended for being shirtless while mixing cement outside his home.
On Wednesday, DILG Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla visited the man to apologize, calling the incident a “mistake,” and said leniency should be given to those doing work outside their homes.
“But for people who are doing nothing, walking around without shirts, that’s really forbidden,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police reported 7,708 ordinance violators on Tuesday, mostly for public drinking and smoking at 2,125; followed by curfew violations, 438; shirtless roaming, 155; and late-night videoke, 32. Other violations reached 4,958.
“Most cases were resolved on-site, with 4,365 individuals warned and released, 3,213 fined, and 130 subjected to charges depending on the nature of the violation,” the PNP said.
The Southern Police District recorded the highest number of violators with 1,996, followed by the Northern, 1,779; Quezon City Police District, 1,678; Manila Police District, 1,268; and Eastern Police District, 987. (PNA)
