Manila: The Safer Cities initiative is being implemented with due process, fair enforcement, and full respect for the rights of every Filipino, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) assured the public on Thursday.
According to Philippines News Agency, DILG Assistant Secretary Brian Mey Tomas stated that their focus is on awareness, compliance, and public protection, not arbitrary arrests or punitive actions against ordinary citizens. Tomas emphasized that the ordinances aim to be implemented without outright arrests or the use of force against violators.
Local government units (LGUs) and law enforcement agencies have received directives to enforce ordinances with fairness and compassion. These efforts are supported by sustained information campaigns and a standard practice of warning first-time violators. Data from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) indicate that in the first three months of the Safer Cities initiative in Metro Manila, 458,702 violators were warned and released, 272,277 were fined, and only 11,539 faced formal charges.
PNP Spokesperson Col. Allan Rae Co explained that the initiative follows the "warn, fine, case" protocol. First-time violators receive warnings, repeat offenders may be fined under applicable ordinances, and serious violations could lead to formal charges. Co reiterated that the majority of violators were only warned, underscoring the non-punitive approach of the initiative.
The PNP continues to refine enforcement procedures in line with the directives of DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla. This includes operational adjustments to address implementation gaps and strengthen safeguards against potential abuse. The initiative aims to protect communities, especially vulnerable sectors, by promoting safer public spaces and preventing crime.
The DILG, along with the PNP and local government units, reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the Safer Cities initiative firmly and fairly while adhering to due process to build safer and more orderly communities nationwide.
