More than 1,600 persons in Metro Manila were penalized for using karaoke beyond the allowed hours amid the intensified campaign of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) to implement ordinances in the metropolis.
NCRPO director Brig. Gen. Anthony A. Aberin said those penalized for the unauthorized use of karaoke were among the 148,211 individuals apprehended in Metro Manila for violations of various city ordinances from Jan. 1 to 24 this year.
He said the NCRPO operations resulted in the collection of ₱42,391,931.00 in penalties stipulated in the ordinances.
“These aggressive operations are part of the comprehensive approach to fostering order and discipline across Metro Manila,” said Aberin.
Filipinos are known to be karaoke lovers and the complaints from local residents prompted local government units in Metro Manila to pass ordinances that prohibit use commonly after 10 p.m.
In some LGUs, the use of karaokes is prohibited near the schools during school hours.
Violation of the ordinance on the use of karaoke has penalties that include fines and imprisonment.
In Manila for instance, the use of karaoke beyond 10 p.m. is penalized by P1,000 in first offense while in Caloocan City, the sanction includes a P5,000 fine or 30-day imprisonment.
Broken windows theory
When he assumed the top Metro Manila post, Aberin vowed to observe the concept of the Broken Windows theory.
Proposed in 1982, the “Broken Windows Theory” basically means that more serious crimes like robbery, murder and other violent actions start from simple misdemeanors and non-violent breaking of rules and regulations—and thus, must be acted upon in the soonest possible time.
It stemmed from an analogy that small cracks in the windows could lead to a bigger problem in the entire house or building if not attended to.
Aberin said that such a strategy has been instrumental in revolutionizing law enforcement by emphasizing capability building, proactive operations, and strengthening community ties.
“Crime prevention always starts with an effective enforcement of discipline and order in the community. As we continuously hunt lawless elements who threaten peace and security, we will also simultaneously address minor peace and safety issues to foster a highly favorable security landscape in Metro Manila,” Aberin said.
Other offenses
Aside from the use of karaoke beyond the allowed hours with 1,633 apprehensions, other violations include public drinking and smoking with 51,278 cases; roaming the streets without shirts with 15,788 cases; and illegal garbage dumping with 15,483 cases.
The enforcement of curfew on minors resulted in the apprehension of 15,699 individuals and 1,841 cases for road obstruction.
The campaign also addressed vandalism with 253 cases), violations of city traffic ordinances with 44,128 cases.
Aberin said the coordination with the LGUs in the enforcement of the ordinances is an assertive step toward restoring discipline and safety throughout Metro Manila.
“These strategies have been instrumental in revolutionizing law enforcement by emphasizing capability building, proactive operations, and strengthening community ties,” said Aberin.