At least 606 individuals were apprehended for various local ordinance violations during the Cebu Police Provincial Office’s (CPPO) province-wide Safer Cities Initiative operations on August 12, with traffic offenses accounting for the largest share.
CPPO personnel conducted 281 operations across the province, fining 445 violators and warning and releasing 161 others. Authorities collected a total of P161,850 in penalties from the initiative.
Traffic violations comprised the biggest portion of the recorded offenses, with 445 individuals cited for violations of city and municipal traffic ordinances.
The operations also recorded 57 cases of drinking in public places, 23 cases of smoking in public areas, and 16 cases involving individuals roaming the streets without shirts.
Additionally, police also reported 51 minors who violated curfew hours, 10 cases of karaoke being used beyond the allowed time, and four individuals wearing balaclavas.
No cases involving vandalism, illegal structures, or road obstructions subject to clearing operations were recorded during the August 12 operations.
The province-wide enforcement was conducted as part of the Safer Cities Initiative mandated by Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla Jr. It calls for stronger police visibility, stricter enforcement of local ordinances, and coordinated efforts to maintain peace, order, and public safety.
Under the leadership of PCOL Abubakar Udang Mangelen Jr., the CPPO continues to strengthen police presence and community-based enforcement, particularly in areas where ordinance violations are frequently observed.
The CPPO said the campaign is intended not only to apprehend violators and impose penalties but also to promote discipline, awareness, voluntary compliance, and responsible behavior in public spaces.
Mangelen also emphasized the role of parents and families in guiding children and preventing curfew violations and other activities that may expose minors to risks, while calling for greater cooperation between communities and law enforcement.
Police Regional Office-Central Visayas Director PBGen Arnold Evangelista Abad likewise stressed the importance of sustained police visibility, consistent enforcement, prevention, and community partnership in achieving safer communities throughout the region.