Metro Manila, Philippines – Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Monday, April 6, said personal security will be the focus of a plan for urban areas in line with the directive of the president.
He said the Safer Metro Manila Plan, to be carried out by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in coordination with the Philippine National Police, aims to strengthen public safety and restore the sense of security in urban areas
President Bongbong Marcos has issued a directive to intensify law enforcement and make sure people feel safe in everyday life.
“Kung titignan mo, since 2016 hanggang ngayon, there’s been a 60% reduction in crime. The difference now, kailangang maramdaman ng mga tao na ginagawa namin ito,” Remulla said, explaining the need to instill public confidence amid declining crime rates in Metro Manila.
[Translation: If you look at it, from 2016 until now, there’s been a 60% reduction in crime. The difference now is that people need to feel that we are doing this.]
The intensified campaign will include stricter enforcement of ordinances against public intoxication, indecent exposure and nudity, loitering, and videoke sessions beyond 10 p.m.
Police presence will also be increased in highly populated areas and high-risk zones, including public institutions, transport hubs, and major commercial zones.
A pilot rollout across Metro Manila will begin this month.
Remulla said authorities are eyeing implementation in other major urban areas such as Cebu City, Baguio, and Bacolod.
“We will make the Philippines safer. Makakaasa po kayo na ang krimen bababa,” he added.
[Translation: We will make the Philippines safer. The public can be assured that the crime rate will go down.]
