1,141 arrested for various offenses

CEBU, Philippines —  A total of 1,141 individuals were apprehended for various local ordinance violations during the intensified anti-criminality operations conducted across Cebu Province from May 29 to 30, 2026 as part of the Cebu Police Provincial Office’s (CPPO’s) implementation of the Safer Cities Initiative.

According to CPPO, police units carried out a total of 438 operations provincewide, resulting in the apprehension of individuals for violations involving drinking and smoking in public places, roaming shirtless in streets, curfew infractions, unauthorized videoke operations, traffic regulations, and other violations during the two-day period.

During the two-day operation, records showed that city and municipal traffic ordinance violations accounted for the highest number of apprehensions with 636 violators, followed by 201 individuals cited for drinking in public places.

Authorities also recorded 163 minors violating curfew ordinances, 62 individuals roaming shirtless in public areas, and 51 violators for smoking in prohibited places, 24 videoke or karaoke operations beyond allowable hours,and four other local ordinances violators on both dates.

Police reports showed that among the 1,141 violators, 636 were fined, while 505 individuals were warned and released in accordance with existing local regulations.

During the two-day successive operations, the authorities garnered a total of ?274,100in fines and penalties collected from the violators.

CPPO Provincial Director Police Colonel Abubakar Udang Mangelen Jr. emphasized that maintaining peace and order begins with enforcing basic rules that promote responsible behavior in communities.

“The Safer Cities Initiative is a proactive approach to public safety. By strictly implementing local ordinances, we encourage discipline, reduce opportunities for crime, and foster a culture of accountability among our citizens. Every ordinance enforced contributes to creating safer streets, orderly communities, and a more secure environment for all Cebuanos,” Mangelen said.

The Cebu Police Provincial Office assured the public that the Safer Cities Initiative, along with other anti-criminality and public safety programs, will remain a priority as CPPO continues to work closely with local government units and community stakeholders in preserving peace, order, and security throughout the province. — Paul Benedict Sariana, CNU intern/BRP