DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla Directs PNP to Enforce Public Order Laws Nationwide
In a significant move to bolster public safety, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla has issued a directive to the Philippine National Police (PNP) for the strict enforcement of local public order ordinances across the country. This initiative, announced during a press conference on Monday, April 6, 2026, marks the rollout of the Safer Cities Initiative, aimed at making the Philippines safer for all citizens.
Key Provisions of the Enforcement Drive
The directive encompasses a range of measures designed to curb disruptive behaviors in public spaces. Specifically, it targets:
- Public Drinking: Arrests for individuals consuming alcohol on streets, with a ban on setting up chairs and tables for drinking sessions. Remulla emphasized that this addresses common sources of fights and sexual harassment.
- Shirtless Men: Prohibition of men walking in public without a shirt, promoting civility in dress. He urged people to at least wear sleeveless shirts, regardless of heat.
- Curfews for Minors: Strict enforcement of curfew hours for those 18 years and below, typically from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., as already implemented by many local government units.
- Anti-Noise Ordinances: Limits on karaoke sessions, restricting them to no later than 10 p.m. to reduce noise pollution.
Remulla stated, "Just to be clear, we have an Anti-Public Intoxication Act. Drinking on the streets is no longer allowed... That's where most incidents come from — first, fights and, second, sexual harassment." He added, "It is now prohibited for men to walk around the streets without a shirt... It is an act of civility to dress properly while in public."
Expansion and Implementation Strategy
The initiative will commence in Metro Manila this month before expanding to other major cities, including Cebu, Baguio, Bacolod, and Davao. Remulla highlighted that this phased approach aims to pilot the measures and ensure effectiveness. He affirmed, "We will make the Philippines safer. This is the Safer Streets Initiative and you can expect crime to decrease."
To support this, Remulla will issue a memorandum directing local government units to enact ordinances that align with the initiative. This move has already garnered support from local officials, such as Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Ma. Cynthia 'Cindi' King-Chan, who affirmed full backing and noted existing enforcement of similar local laws.
Enhanced Police Visibility and Patrolling
In addition to ordinance enforcement, the PNP is instructed to increase police visibility on the streets. This includes deploying more personnel in vital areas and places of convergence, such as schools, to enable immediate response to criminal activities. Remulla emphasized, "We will make the students feel safe. We will make the parents feel safe. That's the work of the police. That's the work of the barangay."
He also ordered intensified patrolling in nightlife hotspots, particularly in Manila, Quezon City, BGC, and Makati. Remulla warned, "Those of you who act tough and show off when you're drunk — don't even try, because we will arrest you... If you get into fights in clubs or on the streets, we will put you in jail. I don't care anymore." Reflecting on his own youth, he added, "I admit that when I was young, I got into trouble, but I was never jailed. But those idiots today — stop that... No more getting drunk on the streets and looking for fights."
This comprehensive crackdown represents a proactive step by the DILG to address public safety concerns through rigorous law enforcement and community cooperation.
