The Department of Local and Interior Government (DILG) is cracking down on violations of ordinances tackling drinking in public, noise, and curfews, said Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Monday, April 6. And part of the DILG’s newly launched Safer Metro Manila initiative is a limit on videoke.
“Pag alas-10 [ng gabi], nagvi-videoke pa kayo o kapit-bahay ninyo, nagvi-videoke, tumawag na kayo sa 911, at pupuntahan po ng pulis ‘yan at papatigilin,” Remulla said. “Kung fiesta, may barangay permit, nagkakasiyahan doon, baka pwede pa. Pero, kung araw-araw lang, maawa na kayo sa mga kapitbahay niyo.”
Aside from tightening rules around using videoke in residential areas, drinking on the streets will no longer be tolerated. “Bawal na ang maglatag ng mga silya at mga lamesa sa mga kalye at mag-inuman. Doon na nanggagaling number one ang away, number two ang sexual harassment,” said Remulla.
He also warned “rugby boys” and “geng-geng” kids that they will be apprehended if they are caught outdoors past 10 p.m., as authorities aim to strictly enforce a curfew on minors. According to the DILG, people without proof of employment or schooling are not allowed on the streets after 10 p.m.
“Kapag hindi nag-aaral o nagta-trabaho, [kailangan ng] proof of employment or education na nag-aaral sa oras na ‘yon na pauwi kayo, bawal na kayo sa kalye after 10 p.m.,” said Remulla.
ABS-CBN News reports that the Safer Metro Manila initiative is aimed at improving community safety by deploying police to public schools, transportation stations and terminals, and other public areas. “Kasama rin po sa aggressive at sa intensified deployment po natin ay ‘yung mga places kung saan po naglalagi ang ating mga turista, lagaya po sa BGC, dito sa Makati, sa Pasay, sa Malate, at sa Parañaque,” said NCR Police Office MGen. Anthony Aberin.
