Davao City Records Hundreds of Shirtless Ordinance Violations in Just 7 Days
Nearly 700 individuals were recorded violating the “no shirtless in public places” ordinance in Davao City within just one week, according to local authorities.
Data from the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) showed that a total of 696 individuals were issued citations for violating the rule from April 12 to April 18, 2026. Officials stated that the implementation of this ordinance is not new in the city, but it has recently been strengthened following updated directives from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
The DILG’s Safer Cities Initiative, led by Secretary Jonvic Remulla, is part of a broader campaign aimed at strengthening law enforcement, reducing violations of local regulations, and maintaining public order in urban areas nationwide. The program seeks to ensure the proper and consistent enforcement of existing local ordinances.
Authorities noted that this ordinance has long been in effect in Davao City, and its enforcement has simply been intensified in line with national directives. Since the beginning of the year, records indicate that more than 5,000 individuals have already been apprehended for the same violation, making it one of the most frequently recorded offenses in the area.
Aside from the shirtless ordinance, the DCPO also reported several other common violations. Within the same one-week period, approximately 2,634 individuals were apprehended for traffic violations, 354 minors were found violating curfew regulations, 245 individuals were cited for breaches of the anti-smoking law, and 146 drivers were penalized for overspeeding.
Police officials emphasized that these enforcement efforts form part of ongoing measures to enhance discipline and safety in the city. They further noted that while some violations may appear minor, strict implementation of local ordinances remains essential in maintaining order and ensuring public safety within communities.
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