Dumaguete: The Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOrPPO) will work with business establishments for a stronger implementation of the Safer Cities initiative of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), an official said on Wednesday. In a virtual press conference, NOrPPO spokesperson Capt. Stephen Polinar stressed the importance of engaging establishments to help educate the public about local ordinances and national laws.

According to Philippines News Agency, Polinar noted that while there are exemptions to the directive against roaming the streets without a shirt or top, such as while at the beach, some individuals are also observed to be shirtless inside resto-bars or similar establishments. He said that from April 15 to 21, a total of 723 individuals from across the province were booked for violations of local ordinances: 682 for violating city/municipality traffic codes; 34 for smoking/drinking in public places; and seven minors for violating curfew hours. Of the total, 716 were fined, and seven were released.

Polinar also called out a few individuals and groups for drinking in public places, although they were not booked as they voluntarily dispersed. He also pointed out that the police conduct regular 'recorrida' patrols, using a public address system to remind the public about violations under the Safer Cities initiative.

Meanwhile, during the same period, enhanced police operations resulted in the confiscation of smuggled cigarettes worth PHP61,000; the arrest of 23 wanted persons; arrest of three persons for illegal possession of firearms; and the confiscation/recovery of six loose firearms. Additionally, anti-illegal drug operations conducted during the seven-day period resulted in the arrest of 12 individuals and the seizure of 39.65 grams of suspected shabu worth PHP270,000.