Manila: The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Monday called on local government units to pass new ordinances and strengthen existing local rules in support of the government's Safer Cities initiative. In a news release, the DILG urged provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays to review and reinforce ordinances covering public drinking, roaming shirtless in public areas, excessive noise, videoke operations beyond 10 p.m., and curfew measures for minors to make streets, neighborhoods, and public spaces safer for Filipino families.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DILG called for consistent enforcement and stronger police visibility in LGUs where these rules already exist, especially in busy streets, transport terminals, commercial districts, and other crowded areas where residents expect order and protection. The campaign carries out the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen peace and order, reduce crime, and ensure that people feel secure not only at home but also on the roads, in markets, near schools, and in places where daily life happens.
The DILG emphasized that local chief executives are mandated under the law to implement measures that promote the general welfare, maintain peace and order, protect public safety, and preserve public convenience. Recent implementation data recorded 68,257 public safety interventions, reflecting active enforcement, guidance, and community correction across participating areas. Many incidents involved public drinking and smoking, roaming shirtless in public places, minors found outside during curfew hours, and unauthorized karaoke operations beyond allowed hours.
The initiative is currently being piloted across LGUs in the National Capital Region, with expansion set for major urban centers nationwide. The DILG said safer communities are measured by whether parents feel at ease letting their children walk outside, workers can go home without fear, and neighborhoods can rest peacefully at night.
Meanwhile, Philippine National Police chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. cited the steady decline in recorded violations and focus crimes as a clear indication that intensified enforcement efforts and operational discipline on the ground are yielding results. 'Our safer cities initiative is delivering results. From high violation numbers during the first days of implementation, we are now seeing a steady decline down to around 7,000 by April 17. This clearly shows that our strategy is working and that we are moving in the right direction,' Nartatez said in his speech during Monday's flag raising at the PNP National Headquarters at Camp Crame, Quezon City.
'In the first nine days of operations, we have recorded a decline in focus crimes, particularly crimes against persons. This is the direct result of you doing your job. We recognize that the initial phase of the implementation came with operational challenges and public scrutiny," he added. He said these accomplishments reflect the commitment of PNP personnel in carrying out their duties effectively amid initial challenges and public scrutiny, with continuous refinements now making implementation more consistent, clear, and effective.
Nartatez also stressed the importance of discipline, accountability, and adherence to the highest standards of conduct, reiterating that authority must always be exercised with responsibility, respect for human dignity, and unwavering integrity.
