The Philippine National Police (PNP) has resumed the enforcement of local ordinances penalizing individuals for going “topless” in public, following a brief suspension by several local government units at the height of controversy surrounding the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) Safer Cities initiative.

PNP spokesperson Randulf T. Tuaño said the pause in enforcement in Quezon City and Manila lasted only about a week, and that police operations have since resumed under guidance from PNP Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. to apply the rules with “common sense.”

The renewed implementation follows public backlash over apprehensions involving individuals who were shirtless in non-traditional public settings, including a viral case in Mandaluyong where a man was ticketed while mixing cement outside his home.

The incident prompted SILG Jonvic Remulla to personally apologize.

Despite the directive to enforce ordinances more reasonably, authorities acknowledged that ambiguity remains over what constitutes a “public space,” particularly in areas near private residences, contributing to confusion in implementation.

The controversy stems from the broader Safer Cities initiative, which aims to reduce crime and improve public order. The PNP maintained that the program has yielded positive results, citing a decline in focus crimes, particularly crimes against persons.

Police data also showed a drop in the number of violators apprehended daily—from around 11,000 on the program’s first day to approximately 7,000 in recent monitoring—suggesting improved compliance or adjusted enforcement practices.

Authorities said enforcement will continue while refinements are made to ensure clearer guidelines and prevent similar incidents moving forward.