The Manila Police District has pulled back on enforcing certain local ordinances tied to the Safer Cities Initiative, citing public criticism that some provisions disproportionately burden low-income residents.
A provision penalizing individuals found shirtless in public areas has drawn particular scrutiny, with the MPD acknowledging the concern in a statement released Sunday.
“This measure aims to uphold public trust and ensure humane and compassionate policing across all areas,” MPD spokesperson Police Major Philipp Ines said.
Officers assigned to Oplan Galugad and other anti-criminality operations have been ordered to stand down from issuing penalties, shifting instead to verbal warnings and public information efforts. “In this regard, effective immediately, all operating units and personnel involved in Oplan Galugad and other anti-criminality operations shall refrain from taking punitive actions,” Ines said, adding that the approach would focus on promoting proper decorum and community standards.
The suspension comes as national figures reveal the scale of enforcement activity under the same program. The Philippine National Police recorded 61,549 cases from April 6 to 11, with public drinking and smoking accounting for the largest share at 18,904 incidents. Going shirtless in public generated 5,894 cases — the second-highest category — followed by minor curfew violations at 5,232 and late-night karaoke at 1,276. Other ordinance breaches made up the remaining 30,243 cases.
Of those logged nationwide, 39,205 individuals were released with warnings, 21,317 were fined, and 1,027 cases reached the courts.
On April 11 alone, Metro Manila accounted for 8,256 violators. The Northern Police District led all districts with 2,155 cases, trailed by the Southern Police District with 2,041, Quezon City with 1,602, and the MPD itself with 1,269. The Eastern Police District recorded 1,189.
Public drinking and smoking dominated that day’s figures at 2,290 cases. Minor curfew violations stood at 586, shirtless roaming at 526, and karaoke infractions at 70. Authorities fined 3,800 individuals, filed charges against 145, and released 4,311 with warnings.
PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has framed the initiative as a compliance-building exercise over time. “Ang gusto natin, habang tumatagal, mas bumababa ang bilang dahil mas sumusunod na ang mga tao,” he said.
