Over 500 apprehended for violating ordinances

CEBU, Philippines — A total of 520 people were arrested by the Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO) for various violations of local ordinances during 300 operations across Cebu on August 28.

Of those arrested, 340 were fined while 180 were warned or released. The total amount of fines collected reached P216,350.

Traffic violations in cities and municipalities accounted for the highest number of offenses, with 340 people arrested for violating traffic ordinances.

Authorities also arrested 59 minors for violating curfew, 56 people for drinking in public places, 31 for smoking in public places, and 25 people for going shirtless in public places.

Three cases involving illegal structures or road obstructions were also recorded during road-clearing operations, while one person was arrested for violating an ordinance on wearing balaclavas.

Among Cebu’s component cities, the Toledo City Police Station recorded the highest number of arrests with 50, followed by the Bogo City Police Station with 47, the Talisay City Police Station with 31, the Danao City Police Station with 26, the Naga City Police Station with 21, and the Carcar City Police Station with 20.

The operations were part of the implementation of the Anti-Criminality Plan under the Safer Cities Initiative, which aims to strengthen police presence, improve compliance with local laws, and prevent situations that could lead to disorder and public safety concerns.

Police Regional Director PBGEN Arnold Evangelista Abad commended the police personnel and local government units for their continued efforts to enforce local ordinances.

Meanwhile, CPPO Provincial Director PCOL Abubakar Udang Mangelen Jr. said the operations were not only aimed at enforcing ordinances but also at preventing violations from escalating into more serious public safety problems. — (FREEMAN)