DILG enforces curfew, drinking ban in NCR

MANILA, Philippines — Stricter curfew for minors and a ban on public drinking and late-night karaoke past 10 p.m. will be enforced in Metro Manila, the Department of the Interior and Local Government announced yesterday.

“Drinking in public places is prohibited. If you drink on the streets, you will be arrested. You may drink inside your homes, but not in public spaces,” Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said.

“If you are not studying or working, you should not be outside after 10 p.m. Go home. Those loitering on the streets will be apprehended,” Remulla said, referring to minors aged 18 and below.

Shirtless men and karaoke sessions late at night will also be prohibited, Remulla said.

The Safer Cities initiative aims to curb crime in urban areas by increasing police visibility and enforcing existing ordinances, according to Remulla.

Exceptions may be allowed during fiestas, provided there is a barangay permit, he said.

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the campaign would be expanded nationwide “after assessing its impact.”

Police officers who fail to respond to complaints within five minutes may face sanctions, National Capital Region Police Office director Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin said.

Police will also be deployed in public schools to improve safety.

Nightlife areas such as Bonifacio Global City in Taguig; Poblacion in Makati; Malate, Manila; Roxas Boulevard; as well as Katipunan Avenue, Maginhawa street and Timog Avenue in Quezon City will be monitored by police. — Rainier Allan Ronda