It aims to make people feel safe in the city.
On Monday, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced that the has launched the Safer Metro Manila Plan in ccordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP).
The said program is being toured as a “targeted push” that will strengthen public safety and restore the sense of security in urban areas.
Under the plan, police presence will be significantly increased in high-density and high-risk areas, including schools, transport hubs, and major commercial zones.
“Nakikita po natin na mayorya ng krimen na nakikita natin ay sa mga urban areas. So, it’s time to make the people feel safer about where they live,” said the SILG, who also explained the Safer Cities approach builds on “gains in crime reduction” while also shifting focus to visibility and public confidence.
As part of the intensified campaign, the PNP will also strictly enforce ordinances against public intoxication, indecent exposure and nudity, loitering, and videoke operations beyond 10:00 pm.
This means that they are now banning outdoor drinking sessions, children who are on the streets late in the evening, as well as people, especially men, who tend to go out of their place of residences without a shirt.
The police-barangay patrols and coordination with local governments and law enforcement partners to sustain visibility and response on the ground will also be likewise strengthened as part of this program.
Citing data from the police, Remulla shared, “Kung titignan mo, since 2016 hanggang ngayon, there’s been a 60% reduction in crime. The difference now, kailangang maramdaman ng mga tao na ginagawa namin ito.”
“Tandaan nyo, they trust the police, mataas ang performance rating, pero ang no.1 issue nila is criminality. Kasi hindi nila nararamdaman masyado yung presence even if the police are doing their job,” he added.
Remulla said the initiative will begin with a pilot rollout across Metro Manila this month before expanding to other major urban centers nationwide. “Initially, dito po sa Metro Manila mag uumpisa yan. But, eventually, lilipat po sa lahat ng major urban centers sa buong Pilipinas,” he said.
“Trial ito, this month Metro Manila, susunod to sa Cebu, Baguio, Bacolod, lahat po ng mga lugar na iyan. We will make the Philippines safer. Makakaasa po kayo na ang krimen bababa,” the SILG added.