Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla, in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP), has launched the Safer Metro Manila Plan, a targeted push to strengthen public safety and restore people’s sense of security in urban areas.

The initiative is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to intensify law enforcement efforts not only to reduce crime, but to ensure that Filipinos feel safe in their daily lives.

Under the plan, police presence will be significantly increased in high-density and high-risk areas, including schools, transport hubs, and major commercial zones.

“Nakikita po natin na mayorya ng krimen na nakikita natin ay sa mga urban areas. So, it’s time to make the people feel safer about where they live,” Remulla said.

The DILG Chief explained that the Safer Cities approach builds on gains in crime reduction while shifting focus to visibility and public confidence.

“Kung titignan mo, since 2016 hanggang ngayon, there’s been a 60% reduction in crime. The difference now, kailangang maramdaman ng mga tao na ginagawa namin ito,” he stressed.

“Tandaan nyo, they trust the police, mataas ang performance rating, pero ang no.1 issue nila is criminality. Kasi hindi nila nararamdaman masyado yung presence even if the police are doing their job,” he added.

As part of the intensified campaign, the PNP will strictly enforce ordinances against public intoxication, indecent exposure and nudity, loitering, and videoke operations beyond 10 PM, while strengthening joint police-barangay patrols and coordination with local governments and law enforcement partners to sustain visibility and response on the ground.

Remulla said the initiative will begin with a pilot rollout across Metro Manila this month before expanding to other major urban centers nationwide.

“Initially, dito po sa Metro Manila mag uumpisa yan. But, eventually, lilipat po sa lahat ng major urban centers sa buong Pilipinas,” he emphasized.

“Trial ito, this month Metro Manila, susunod to sa Cebu, Baguio, Bacolod, lahat po ng mga lugar na iyan. We will make the Philippines safer. Makakaasa po kayo na ang krimen bababa,” the SILG added.