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Jean Mangaluz - Philstar.com
April 13, 2026 | 1:30pm
The Manila Police District (MPD) conducts patrols in barangays along Capulong Street in Tondo, Manila on Tuesday night, April 7, 2026, as authorities strictly enforce local ordinances under the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) “Safer Cities" initiative, which prohibits street drinking, shirtless loitering, and staying on the streets past 10 p.m. Several individuals, including intoxicated persons, shirtless residents, and minors, were rounded up during the operation.
The STAR / Ryan Baldemor
MANILA, Philippines — Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Monday apologized to a shirtless man who was arrested by police for being topless in public.
The man, a construction worker, was mixing cement on the street when he was arrested in Addition Hills, Mandaluyong City.
The arrest sparked backlash on social media, with many criticizing the Department of the Interior and Local Government's (DILG) Safer Cities Initiative.
The program enforces public order policies such as bans on street gambling and curfews for minors, while increasing police visibility.
"Ako po ay humihingi ng paumanhin at pupuntahan ko siya sa mga susunod na araw at sasabihin ko na ako na ang humihingi ng paumanhin," Remulla said in a press briefing.
(I am asking for forgiveness and I will go to him in the coming days and personally apologize.)
"It was my fault that I did not give clearer instructions on how to implement the Safer Cities initiative," he added.
Policy under review
Nearly 6,000 people have been apprehended in Metro Manila for being topless in public since the project began on April 6.
More than 60,000 people have also been cited for various violations, including drinking and smoking in public.
Remulla said the policy is under review, but the Safer Cities Initiative will continue.
The DILG's program has drawn criticism from groups and social media users, some of whom have described it as "anti-poor."
The agency has denied the claim, saying the program is meant to promote safety.
