Palace defends Safer Cities Initiative, says imposing discipline not anti-poor

Malacañang on Friday defended the Safer Cities Initiative operations of law enforcers, noting that instilling discipline cannot be regarded as anti-poor.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro, in a briefing, was asked for comment as some groups have raised alarm over the implementation of the Department of the Interior and Local Government's ‘Safer Cities’ policy.

Castro explained that the DILG is only implementing the ordinances, adding that these are meant to protect Filipino people.

''Unang-una po ito’y matagal nang mga ordinansa. Pinapatupad lamang po ng DILG. Sa pagdidisiplina sa mga kabataan, nakita po natin sa mga news na iyong mismong nanay ang nagrereklamo na ang mga anak nila na minor de edad ay hindi nila mapa-uwi at matigas ang ulo,'' Castro said.

(These are ordinances are implemented for quite some time. The DILG is only implementing these policies. When it comes to disciplining minors, the mothers themselves are complaining about their children for being hard-headed.)

''Hindi naman po ibig sabihin ng pagdidisiplina sa mga kabataan para mas maging safe sila at protected ay anti-poor na. Hindi po lahat ng pagdidisiplina ay sasabihing anti-poor, ito po ay para sa proteksiyon ng bawat Pilipino,'' she added.

(It doesn't mean that when one is disciplining the kids, he/she is anti-poor. Imposing discipline on individuals doesn't mean being anti-poor, this is for protecting the Filipino people.)

She urged the public to immediately report if they encounter authorities who abuse their power and authority.

The DILG has announced 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 would initially be piloted in the National Capital Region before expanding to other major urban centers nationwide.

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

Authorities said 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. — BAP, GMA News