Drinking, smoking in public top violations as over 24K apprehended in Safer Cities ops in NCR

Drinking and smoking in public places emerged as the top violations as authorities apprehended more than 24,000 individuals in the first two days of Safer Cities Initiative operations in Metro Manila.

At a press briefing on Wednesday, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) spokesperson Police Major Hazel Asilo said a total of 24,880 violators were recorded.

“Sa nagdaang dalawang araw para sa Safer Metro Manila, meron po tayong kabuuang 24,881 na total violators,” Asilo said.

(In the past two days for Safer Metro Manila, we have a total of 24,881 total violators.)

Of the total number of violators, 219 were charged, 6,369 were fined, and 18,292 were just warned and released.

The most common offenses include drinking and smoking in public spaces with 8,075.

This was followed by curfew violations involving minors, public nuisance acts such as going shirtless in streets, illegal karaoke, urinating in public, and improper garbage disposal.

The Southern Police District (SPD) logged the highest number of violators with over 12,211. Muntinlupa topped the list, followed by Makati, according to Asilo.

According to the police, the increased visibility of officers is meant to deter crime and ensure compliance, amid some public concerns likening the operations to stricter past enforcement campaigns under the Duterte administration.

Human rights

The NCRPO said that measures are in place to avoid abuse of basic and human rights like body-worn cameras.

“Para ma-ensure 'yung transparency at wala pong abuse na ginagawa ang ating mga kapulisan, lahat po sila ay equipped ng body-worn cameras,” Asilo said.

(To ensure transparency and to prevent abuse by our police officers, they are all equipped with body-worn cameras.)

“Kung sakali man po na may paglabag, puwede po natin i-review 'yung mga body-worn cameras at maaari naman po lumapit agad 'yung magrereklamo at agad po silang aaksyonan,” she added.

(In case there is a violation, we can review the body-worn cameras and those who complain can come forward immediately and we will take immediate action.)

Barangay officials and concerned agencies are also present during the operations.

“Siyempre po, may mga batas naman po tayo, katulad po sa mga minors natin, 'yung halimbawa po ang paglabag po nila ay kailangan po ng intervention ng ibang ahensya,” Asilo said.

(Of course we have laws, just like our minors, for example, if they violate them, the intervention of other agencies is needed.)

“Kaya po nandiyan 'yung ating barangay officials para hindi lang 'yung mga pulis natin ang mag-judge… Kilala po nila 'yung kanilang mga constituents,” she added.

(Our barangay officials are there so that it’s not just our police who judge the situation… They know their constituents.)

Authorities reported no major public resistance during operations, noting that most violators are aware of existing rules, according to Asilo.

Under the guidelines, first-time offenders are usually given warnings, while repeat violators may face fines, penalties, or community service. 

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced Monday stricter implementation of the ban on alcohol and gambling in public areas and other measures as it rollout its Safer Cities Initiative in Metro Manila.

At a press briefing, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the program will initially be piloted in the National Capital Region before expanding to other major urban centers nationwide. —KG, GMA News