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‘Children breaking curfew’ is the most frequent offence, closely followed by ‘drinking alcohol and smoking in public places’
BATANGAS, Philippines – Within a week of the implementation of the Safe Cities campaign in Calabarzon, the number of law breakers was reduced by half, statistics obtained by Rappler showed.
From 4,621 violators of peace and order on April 8-9, the number decreased by almost 54% to 2,408 as of April 14-15, according to the effectiveness report submitted by the Philippine Police Regional Office (PRO) IV-A to Interior Secretary Juan Victor Remulla on Wednesday, April 15.
Remulla and PRO IV-A Regional Director Brigadier General Hansel Marantan spoke at the meeting of the Municipal League of the Philippines Batangas Chapter in Mabini town.
Violators of local laws were warned, fined, or charged with one of the following:
- Drinking and smoking in public places
- Roaming the streets shirtless
- Urinating on the sidewalk, littering, littering anywhere
- Using karaoke more than the time allowed
- Children who violate curfew
- Destruction
- Using structure and barrier under road cleaning operation
- He is wearing a balaclava
- Violation of city traffic rules/codes
- Other misconduct
In the April 8-9 and April 14-15 counts, “children violating curfew” was the most frequent violation, followed closely by “drinking alcohol and smoking in public places.” The remaining violations were of a very small number.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government and the PNP launched the Safer Cities campaign on April 6, but due to its implementation in Metro Manila being more publicized – hence, the program is called the Safer Metro Manila Program.
Remulla had said this will eventually be rolled out to other major cities, such as Baguio, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao.
Critics have questioned the legitimacy of the campaign, but Remulla emphasized that the campaign is based on existing laws and local regulations whose awareness and implementation have weakened over time. (SEE: Order in Court: Is it legal to arrest people who drink alcohol, who smoke in the street?)
“Laws have always existed. But some people have ignored them, while others have even opposed them. It is time for people to acknowledge the supremacy of the law,” said Remulla, who was the longtime governor of Cavite, the most populous city in Calabarzon.
While the majority of those arrested were young children, Remulla said many parents expressed their relief that their children were returned home early and separated from the dangerous environment.
“Young people must be home early and safe. The streets can expose them to alcohol consumption, illegal drugs, and criminal activities at a young age,” he said.
The National Union of Citizen Lawyers had warned that if the punishment given in the local laws is only a fine, then there is no reason to arrest or detain those who violate the law.
According to the PNP PRO IV-A report, most of those arrested – between 6 and 8 out of every 10 – were simply reprimanded. Hundreds are fined, and a few dozen are fined.
Marantan told the mayors of Batangas: “I know how LGUs (local government units) want to maintain peace and order. With this new order, let’s work together to achieve a safe place – not only for our families, but for our people. Maintaining peace is not just our job; it’s a joint effort. It’s us – we reap all the success if we work together.”
“A safe place starts with individuals. Respect public space, follow local rules, keep children safe and at home early, support law enforcement efforts, and together build safe and disciplined communities,” Remulla said.
During the event, the DILG chief also said the first week of the Safe Cities campaign led to the arrest of 65,000 people in various areas across the country, contributing to a 30% reduction in crime. He gave no other details.
Indicator crime is a serious crime by which the PNP measures the state of peace and order. It includes murder, murder, physical injury, rape, theft, robbery, and animal theft or cattle theft. – Rappler.com
