The number of apprehended violators of local ordinances in Metro Manila rose to 48,257 as more policemen were deployed on the streets Manila as part of the intensified implementation of the Safer Cities Initiative.

And the Philippine National Police (PNP) said it will continue the aggressive operations until discipline is instilled among Metro Manila residents in the interest of peace and order under the Safer Cities Initiative.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. said targeting minor violations like public drinking and violating curfew hours has become a central strategy to prevent serious crimes.

With the more visible presence of our personnel on the ground, we are sending a strong message of our active role in crime prevention and instilling discipline. The goal is clear and simple: to make every street and every community safe for everybody,” said Nartatez.

Of the apprehended violators since the Safer Cities Initiative was launched on Monday, April 6, data from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) that most common violations were drinking and smoking in public places, followed by roaming streets without shirts and curfew violations involving minors.

The remaining 12,485 cases were classified under other violations such as loitering, public disturbance, and similar local ordinance infractions.

Nartatez pointed out that minor offenses often pave the way for more serious crimes, “By addressing these small violations, the PNP seeks to prevent major criminal activity from emerging in neighborhoods.”

“These minor violations are often the breeding ground for bigger crimes, so we are nipping them in the bud,” he added.

The operations, which began earlier this week, focus on visible and low-level offenses that disturb public order. Enforcement teams have been deployed across Metro Manila to patrol streets, parks, and transport hubs and identify violators.

Despite the high volume of arrests, Nartatez was quick to address concerns regarding the conduct of the responding officers, emphasizing that the Internal Affairs Service (IAS) is closely monitoring the ground operations.

Nartatez also urged the public to see these measures as part of broader community safety efforts, “Safety starts with discipline. When communities follow simple rules, we can focus on bigger threats together. Cooperation is key.”