148,211 nabbed in Metro Manila for violating ordinances

MANILA, Philippines — Over 148,000 people were rounded up in Metro Manila this month for violating ordinances of local government units, police reported over the weekend.

Metro Manila police director Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin said 148,211 people were apprehended from Jan. 1 to 24.

“As we continuously hunt lawless elements who threaten peace and order, we will also address minor safety issues to foster a favorable security landscape in Metro Manila,” Aberin said in a statement.

Data from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) showed that 75,148 of the violators are from southern Metro Manila, which covers Las Piñas, Makati, Muntinlupa, Parañaque, Pasay, Taguig and the town of Pateros.

The Northern Police District, which has jurisdiction over Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela, apprehended 43,897 ordinance violators.

Up to 13,419 ordinance violators were accosted in Quezon City followed by 10,407 in eastern Metro Manila, which covers Mandaluyong, Marikina, Pasig and San Juan.

In Manila, 5,340 ordinance violators were apprehended.

The NCRPO said 51,278 of the violators were arrested for drinking and smoking in public places while 15,788 were nabbed for walking half-naked in the streets.

Police rounded up 15,483 people for urinating and dumping trash in public areas. Minors who violated curfew hours reached 15,699.

The others were apprehended for using karaoke beyond the allowed hours, vandalism and putting up road obstructions.

Aberin said the intensified drive against ordinance violators aims to restore discipline and safety among the public.

“Crime prevention starts with an effective enforcement of discipline and order in the community,” he said.