SOLIDIFYING its bid to be one of Philippines’ Safer Cities, the Valenzuela City government has intensified its public order campaign with the strict enforcement of traffic and public noise regulations, among others, Mayor Wes Gatchalian said.
Gatchalian earlier this week was joined by Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla Jr. and Land Transportation Office chief Markus Lacanilao when the local government destroyed a total of 287 confiscated open pipe mufflers.
“The destruction of the illegally-modified mufflers forms part of the city government’s continuing campaign to enforce traffic and public noise regulations.”
Warning motorists and motorcycle owners to comply with the ordinance by using only authorized and regulated muffler systems, the city chief executive explained that open pipe mufflers produce excessive noise that disturbs residents and violates established environmental and traffic standards.
Meanwhile, the local police said that it has significantly reduced crime rates in the city through programs such as ‘Oplan Galugad’ and ‘Oplan Sita’ which strengthened peace and order efforts and helped prevent crimes such as robbery, murder, theft, and illegal drug-related incidents.
The local police force reported to the mayor the apprehension of motorists and traffic violators, as well as individuals involved in public drinking (198), smoking (1,376), curfew violations (189), and public decency offenses such as roaming half-naked in public places (264).
“This reflects the city government’s continued commitment to discipline, public order, and community safety,” Gatchalian said.
The Valenzuela mayor cited the PH’s Safer Cities program which was an initiative of the Department of Interior and Local Government and was designed to institutionalize good local governance in rapidly urbanizing areas.
Further strengthening its law enforcement presence, he said the city government has deployed newly-acquired electric vehicles (e-vehicles) for police operations.
“Valenzuela has also deployed an extensive network of CCTV (closed-circuit television) cameras across major roads and strategic areas—all monitored through a centralized command center. This system enables authorities to respond rapidly to incidents, monitor traffic flow, and deter criminal activity,” he added.
