• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) is asking the Sangguniang Panlungsod for citation tickets to support documentation and enforcement efforts in line with the Safer Cities Initiative.
The issuance of citation tickets “aims to equip our police officers in the effective implementation of existing city ordinances”, particularly against drinking in public, smoking ban, roaming the streets without shirts, anti-littering ordinance, urinating in side streets, improper disposal or dumping of garbage, use of karaoke or sound systems beyond the allowed hours, curfew violations involving minors, vandalism, wearing of balaclava or face coverings in violation of local regulations, Traffic Code violations, and illegal structures and road obstructions, including those subject to road-clearing operations, among others, P/Col. Eugene Rebadomia, BCPO director, said in his letter to Vice Mayor Kalaw Puentevella.
“We believe that the issuance of citation tickets will significantly enhance compliance, promote discipline, and further strengthen law enforcement visibility and accountability in the city,” Rebadomia stressed.
The Safer Cities Initiative of the Department of the Interior and Local Government aims to enhance public safety by boosting police visibility and presence in high-density urban areas.
It focuses on community policing, school security, and stricter enforcement of local ordinances against consumption of alcoholic beverages and being topless or half-naked in public places, excessive noise, and strict curfews for minors, the DILG said in Memorandum Circular 2026-029, which calls on local government units to support and contribute to “safer” cities, barangays, municipalities, or provinces through strict enforcement of related ordinances.
The Philippine National Police said May 25 that operational gains have been logged under the Safer Cities Initiative, with a significant decline in focus crime incidents nationwide.
From more than 4,400 incidents recorded between Feb. 22 and April 5, there were fewer than 3,800 incidents during the 43-day implementation period, or from April 6 to May 18, equivalent to nearly 16 percent reduction, the PNP said.
All major focus crime categories also registered decreases, including rape (more than 30 percent), carnapping (over 28 percent), and physical injury (nearly 26 percent), as well as notable reductions in robbery, theft, homicide, and murder cases, the police said in a press release. “These improvements were driven by intensified police visibility, focused operations, preventive patrols, and stronger coordination with LGUs and communities. | CGC
