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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Manila LGU bans balaclavas, other face-covering headgear in commercial, gov't establishments

Manila LGU bans balaclavas, other face-covering headgear in commercial, gov't establishments

Published Nov 23, 2025 10:31 am
To strengthen security and reduce crime in Manila, the local government is enforcing the “Anti-Balaclava” Ordinance, which prohibits people from wearing anything that covers their faces, especially inside commercial, government, and other public establishments, or while away from a motorcycle.
Photo from Manila Public Information Office
Photo from Manila Public Information Office
On Nov. 3, Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso signed City Ordinance No. 9134, principally authored by Councilor Rosalino “Jhun” Ibay Jr., titled the “Anti-Balaclava and Other Face Covering Ordinance of the City of Manila.”
“Upang mas mapalakas ang seguridad sa Maynila, ipinatutupad na ang Manila Anti-Balaclava Ordinance (To further strengthen security in Manila, the Manila Anti-Balaclava Ordinance is now being implemented),” the local government said on Saturday, Nov. 22.
The mayor said that the ordinance is intended to prevent criminals from taking advantage of situations where faces are covered, so that anyone committing a crime can be easily identified and held accountable.
The ordinance prohibits the wearing of balaclavas, helmets, face masks (except for health reasons), hoodies that cover the face, and any headgear that conceals one’s identity inside commercial and government buildings, as well as when lowered or on standby while riding a motorcycle.
The wearing of such items is also prohibited when the rider or passenger alights within three meters of their motorcycle for any reason, such as, but not limited to, fixing the vehicle, waiting to buy something from a store or market, using an Automated Teller Machine (ATM), or similar activities.
“Kung kayo naman halimbawa malapit sa mga bangko, ATM. Mag w-withdraw ka lang sa ATM, tinatakpan mo pa yung mukha mo. O, why? Kung wala ka namang tinatago. Kung talagang hindi ka tulisan at wala naman masamang intension, bakit kailangang naka-balaclava ka (For example, if you are near a bank or an ATM and are just withdrawing money, why cover your face? If you have nothing to hide, if you are definitely not a thief and have no bad intentions, why do you need to wear a balaclava?),” Domagoso said.
It is also prohibited when dismounted and stopped, waiting, or on standby in public areas such as streets, alleys, sidewalks, easements, shoulders, parks, parking lots, market areas, and similar locations.
Refusal to remove headgear when instructed by law enforcement officers, barangay officials, security guards, or other government authorities is prohibited. This also applies in any situation where the identity of the motorcycle rider needs to be revealed or verified.
Meanwhile, the local government stated that the following are not covered by the ordinance:
•Periods of public health emergencies when the wearing of face masks is recommended or required by the Department of Health (DOH) or the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF).
•Riders in motion, or drivers and passengers who are still on their motorcycles and have temporarily stopped due to traffic lights, road signs, or instructions from traffic enforcers.
•Law enforcers performing official duties, especially during emergencies or hot pursuit operations.
•Individuals with serious illnesses or comorbidities who need to wear face masks.
•Persons with religious exemptions, including those wearing turbans or any headgear that is part of their faith.
Violators will be penalized according to their offenses:
1st offense: P1,000 fine
2nd offense: P3,000 fine
3rd and succeeding offenses: P5,000 fine, possible 15-day imprisonment, and a recommendation for revocation of the driver’s license with the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

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