Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), warned all policemen not to turn into the very people that they will run after in the enforcement of ordinances intended to strengthen peace and order in Metro Manila.

The intensified law enforcement under the Safer Cities initiative will focus on neighborhood toughies and law offenders and Nartatez does not want the police organization of being accused or perceived as abusing the authority during the enforcement.

By toughies, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said they include those who feel invincible when drunk and minors who are members of neighborhood gangs.

Nartatez emphasized that all their personnel on the ground were instructed to strictly follow operational procedures that are anchored on respect for human rights and the rule of law.

“We are here to serve and protect, not to impose without purpose. While we are intensifying our presence to ensure that local ordinances are strictly followed, I want to be clear that the rights of our citizens remain paramount,” said Nartatez.

“We will enforce the law with firmness but always with the utmost respect for the dignity and civil liberties of the people we serve,” he added.

He said the strict enforcement of local ordinances comes with a directive to the police commanders to ensure that they coordinate with local government units, especially at the barangay level.

Among the focus are those who are holding drinking session along the road, men who are walking topless, curfew for minors focusing on members of gangs and those using solvent, and even the abuse in the use of videoke.

Remulla earlier explained that drinking session along the road are usually the cause of violent street fights and sexual harassments. In the case of minors, he said curfew is needed to avoid violent gang wars among minors.

The initiative will be implemented first in Metro Manila and will soon be enforced in all urban areas across the country.

Nartatez made it clear that enforcement will be done within the bounds of the law.

With the adverse effects on trust and confidence of the public on the PNP due to the drug war over the “nanlaban” narrative, Nartatez has all the reason to be worried.

“I remind our personnel to enforce these rules in accordance with the rule of law. Do not abuse your power,” said Nartatez.

He said police commanders must closely coordinate with local government officials to make sure that the policies are being properly implemented.

Meanwhile, Nartatez appealed to follow the ordinance and not to hesitate in reporting any case of police abuse.