DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental — The Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOrPPO) has formally announced its full support for the Department of the Interior and Local Government's nationwide directive prohibiting public drinking in streets, alleys, and roadside areas as part of the government's new Safer Cities initiative.
Police Colonel Timmar J. Alam, Officer-in-Charge Provincial Director of NOrPPO, expressed the command's complete backing of DILG Secretary Juanito Victor "Jonvic" Remulla's policy announced on April 6, 2026, which specifically bans drinking in public spaces and the setting up of tables and chairs along public roads for drinking sessions.
In a statement released Wednesday, NOrPPO said it "expresses its full concurrence and support" to the Interior Secretary's guidance, marking the provincial police force's commitment to implement the policy across Negros Oriental's 25 cities and municipalities.
DILG Launches Comprehensive Safer Cities Program
The Negros Oriental police's endorsement comes as the DILG rolls out its ambitious Safer Cities Initiative nationwide, which strictly enforces bans on street drinking, shirtless loitering, and late-night videoke sessions. The program initially launched in Metro Manila with plans for expansion to other Philippine urban centers.
Secretary Remulla announced the sweeping policy during a press briefing, declaring that drinking on public streets is now prohibited and that authorities will apprehend individuals caught violating the rule. The Interior chief issued a stark warning in Filipino, stating that those who insist on drinking in public will be arrested, while those who wish to drink inside their homes remain free to do so.
The DILG Secretary emphasized that the policy applies equally across all communities, regardless of socioeconomic status. "Whether it's in Forbes Park or Islang Puting Bato in Tondo, it doesn't matter. Our policy is just one," Remulla stated, according to reports from INQUIRER.net.
Violence Prevention at Core of New Policy
Remulla explained that the directive stems from the need to curb violence and harassment that frequently originate from public drinking sessions. He noted that many cases of harassment and violence begin with groups drinking in public spaces, where individuals face pressure to join and risk harm if they refuse.
According to the DILG chief, men risk physical assault while women face potential sexual harassment in these situations. The policy aims to eliminate these dangerous scenarios by removing the opportunity for such incidents to develop in public spaces.
The Interior Secretary has announced plans to issue a DILG memorandum circular requiring all local government units to pass local ordinances enforcing the bans. Non-compliant local officials could potentially face cases before the Office of the Ombudsman for neglect of duty.
Expanded Enforcement Beyond Drinking Ban
The street drinking prohibition represents just one component of the broader DILG enforcement initiative. The Department has also mandated stricter enforcement of ordinances against shirtless roaming and late-night videoke sessions beyond 10 p.m. as integral parts of the Safe City program.
Enhanced curfew rules for minors are also being implemented. Under the new guidelines, individuals 18 years old and below who cannot provide proof of employment or education will no longer be permitted on the streets after 10 p.m.
The Philippine National Police is supporting the initiative with additional personnel deployment and assistance desks at key locations including schools and transportation hubs. Police officers who fail to respond to complaints within five minutes may face sanctions, according to NCRPO Director Major General Anthony Aberin.
Provincial Police Emphasize Internal Discipline
In its statement of support, NOrPPO stressed that the directive reinforces the importance of maintaining peace, order, and public safety within communities while aligning with the PNP's commitment to uphold discipline among both civilians and police personnel.
"All PNP officers and personnel are reminded to strictly adhere to the PNP Ethical Standards, which mandate the observance of high standards of morality, decency, and professionalism at all times," the provincial command stated.
The office emphasized that police officers serve as community role models and must exemplify proper conduct both on and off duty. This internal accountability component demonstrates the comprehensive nature of the enforcement approach.
Implementation Across Negros Oriental
NOrPPO's swift declaration of support signals that local enforcement coordination is already underway with municipal police stations throughout the province, from Dumaguete City to Bayawan, Guihulngan, and interior municipalities.
The provincial office assured residents of its continuous efforts to enforce both national laws and local ordinances while promoting responsible behavior across all jurisdictions within Negros Oriental.
The timing proves particularly significant given the ongoing fiesta season in Negros Oriental, where public drinking at barangay celebrations has historically contributed to disturbances, brawls, and violent incidents.
Public Cooperation and Reporting Mechanisms
NOrPPO is actively encouraging residents to assist in enforcing the new directive by reporting incidents of public drinking and other violations to authorities. The public can contact the provincial command through designated hotlines at 0927-150-9415 and 0998-598-7486.
For emergency situations, threats, or suspicious activities, residents can dial the nationwide 911 emergency number. This multi-channel approach ensures comprehensive coverage and rapid response capabilities.
The unified message from both the national DILG and Negros Oriental police remains clear: drinking should occur at home, not on public streets. The enforcement represents a significant shift toward community safety and public order maintenance.
Provincial Command Commits to Full Implementation
The Negros Oriental police leadership has committed to full implementation of the directive across all municipalities and cities within the province. This includes coordination with local government units to ensure comprehensive coverage and consistent enforcement standards.
The provincial command's endorsement reflects broader national support for the DILG's public safety initiative, positioning Negros Oriental as an early adopter of the enhanced community safety measures.
As the Safer Cities Initiative expands beyond Metro Manila, the proactive stance taken by NOrPPO demonstrates the potential for successful nationwide implementation of the comprehensive public safety program.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of NOrPPO