Manila suspends arrest of shirtless people
MANILA, Philippines — Almost a week after the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) implemented the “Safer Cities” program, police have rounded up 61,549 violators, most of whom were caught drinking and smoking on the streets.
In Manila, police suspended the apprehension of shirtless men roaming the streets following public backlash over its “anti-poor” enforcement.
Personnel of the Manila Police District (MPD) involved in “Oplan Galugad” and other anti-crime operations were ordered to refrain from making arrests.
“Instead, police will issue warnings and conduct information drives emphasizing proper decorum and community standards,” the MPD said.
Police have released most of the violators. Over 1,000 cases ended up in court.
From April 6 to 11, police apprehended 18,904 people drinking and smoking in public places, followed by 5,894 shirtless residents on the streets, 5,232 minors violating curfew and 1,276 people using karaoke beyond 10 p.m.
The rest involved other ordinance violations.
The DILG said the Safer Cities initiative aims to deter crime in Metro Manila and other major urban areas. — Josiah Antonio
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