Nearly 72K cited for violations in Eastern Visayas

PALO, Leyte — Nearly 72,000 individuals were apprehended for violating local ordinances across Eastern Visayas in one month, marking a 225-percent increase in recorded violations, the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) reported.

Police recorded 71,832 violators under the Safer Cities Initiative from 7 September to 7 October 2026, compared with 22,097 during the preceding month.

The reporting period coincided with the first month in office of PRO-8 director Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño.

Traffic violations accounted for the largest share, with 30,704 cases, followed by 17,691 violations involving appearing half-naked in public places.

Authorities also recorded 7,279 public smoking violations, 7,075 drinking violations, 6,977 curfew violations and 486 late-night videoke violations. Another 1,620 cases involved other local ordinances.

Of the total violators, 50,458 received reprimands, 21,302 were fined and 72 were required to perform community service.

PRO-8 attributed the increase to intensified enforcement of local ordinances aimed at promoting public order and safety.

Cardiño emphasized that the initiative goes beyond imposing penalties, stressing the importance of encouraging discipline and compliance with local regulations.

“Ang pagpapatupad ng mga ordinansa ay hindi lamang tungkol sa pagsita o pagpapataw ng parusa. Higit sa lahat, layunin nating itaguyod ang disiplina, kaayusan, at kaligtasan sa ating mga komunidad, at ipaunawa sa ating mga kababayan na ang pagsunod sa batas ay mahalaga sa pagpapanatili ng ligtas at maayos na pamayanan,” he said.

The regional police office said it would continue enforcing local ordinances to strengthen public safety across Eastern Visayas.