MANILA — The Manila Police District (MPD) has suspended the implementation of certain local ordinances under the Safer Cities Initiative amid concerns that some provisions may have an “anti-poor” impact.

In a statement on Sunday, MPD spokesperson Police Major Philipp Ines said the move follows reports highlighting the possible effect of some rules, including the penalization of individuals for going shirtless in public places.

“In this regard, effective immediately, all operating units and personnel involved in Oplan Galugad and other anti-criminality operations shall refrain from taking punitive actions,” Ines said.

Instead of issuing penalties, MPD personnel were directed to provide warnings and conduct information campaigns to promote proper decorum and community standards.

“This measure aims to uphold public trust and ensure humane and compassionate policing across all areas,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported a total of 61,549 cases recorded under the Safer Cities Initiative from April 6 to 11.

The most common violations were drinking and smoking in public places with 18,904 cases, followed by roaming shirtless with 5,894 cases, curfew violations involving minors with 5,232 cases, and karaoke beyond allowed hours with 1,276 cases. Other ordinance violations accounted for 30,243 cases.

Of those recorded nationwide, 39,205 individuals were warned or released, 21,317 were fined, and 1,027 cases were filed in court.

In Metro Manila alone on April 11, a total of 8,256 violators were recorded, distributed as follows: Northern Police District (2,155), Southern Police District (2,041), Quezon City Police District (1,602), Manila Police District (1,269), and Eastern Police District (1,189).

On the same day, drinking and smoking in public places remained the top violation with 2,290 cases, followed by minors violating curfew hours (586), roaming without shirts (526), and karaoke beyond allowed hours (70).

PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said authorities hope the number of violations will continue to decline as public compliance improves.

“Ang gusto natin, habang tumatagal, mas bumababa ang bilang dahil mas sumusunod na ang mga tao,” Nartatez said.

(As time goes on, we want the number to decrease because more people are complying.)