Jonvic Remulla apologizes for shirtless worker’s arrest in Mandaluyong

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Monday apologized after a construction worker was arrested for being shirtless during a Safer Cities Initiative operation in Barangay Addition Hills, Mandaluyong City.

“May nakita akong feedback sa social media na may umangal taga-Barangay Addition Hills na naghahalo lang ng semento at siya ay inaresto,” Remulla said at a press briefing.

(I saw feedback on social media that someone from Barangay Addition Hills was just mixing cement and was arrested.)

“Ako po ay humihingi ng paumanhin at pupuntahan ko po siya sa mga susunod na araw para personal na humingi ng paumanhin,” he added.

(I apologize, and I will visit him in the coming days to personally apologize.)

Remulla acknowledged that police were not given clear instructions on implementing the Safer Cities Initiative.

“It was my fault that I did not give clearer instructions on how to implement the Safer Cities Initiative. Nagkulang po ako roon. Ang tanging hangarin ko ay patahimikin ang mga kalye (That was my shortcoming. My only goal was to keep the streets orderly)," he said.

“Ngunit dahil sa kakulangan ng aking paliwanag, kahit sino na lang na walang t-shirt ay dinampot. Mali po iyon. Nagkamali po kami roon, (But because of my lack of explanation, anyone without a shirt was apprehended. That was wrong. We made a mistake there) and I take full responsibility," Remulla said.

"I will make amends and ensure that this is clarified,” he added.

Remulla said the policy would undergo review, but the Safer Cities Initiative would continue.

On April 6, Remulla announced stricter enforcement of a ban on alcohol consumption and gambling in public areas, along with other measures under the Safer Cities Initiative.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday said a total of 61,549 cases were recorded from April 6 to 11. Most violations involved drinking and smoking in public places, with 18,904 incidents.

Of the total, 39,205 individuals were warned and released, 21,317 were fined, and 1,207 were charged, according to the PNP.—MCG, GMA News