Police Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin, chief of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), rejected claims that the Safer Cities Initiative is “anti-poor,” saying the program enforces local ordinances equally for all residents.

The statement came after the Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan (SPARK) denounced the initiative, calling it “prone to abuse” and warning that it could encourage profiling and harassment.

“Hindi po anti-poor ito kasi ito po ang ini-enforce po natin dito ay ordinansa po,” Aberin told DZRH’s Dos Por Dos on Thursday.

“Ang nag-craft po ng mga ordinansa po na ito ay ibinoto po nila. Sila po yung representative po nila na gumagawa po ng batas.”

The police cited more than 8,000 individuals on Wednesday alone for violations such as public drinking, smoking, and other ordinance breaches, Aberin said. These were in addition to more than 25,000 apprehended in previous operations. Daily enforcement continues, though numbers have gradually declined.

“Tuloy-tuloy ito, araw-araw ito. Napansin natin na while we do it everyday, bumaba yung apprehensions natin,” Aberin said.

He further affirmed that violators of minor offenses are usually warned, fined, or charged. Only those involved in more serious offenses or repeat violations are detained.

Police, barangay officials, and social workers approach violators, check identities, and coordinate with parents in the case of minors. Repeat offenders face stricter penalties.

Aberin also said the program has enhanced crime prevention by increasing police visibility in public areas like LRT stations, transport terminals, and other convergence points, with barangay officials and volunteers actively participating.

The NCRPO Chief reiterated that the police force strictly enforces fair implementation regardless of the individual’s social status.

“Hindi po tayo namimili, mayaman or pobre ka is pantay-pantay po yung implementation po natin.”