Metro Manila cops nab 450K ordinance violators

SMOKING BAN VIOLATORS. Some 130,997 violators of the smoking ban in Metro Manila have been apprehended since June 13 this year, accounting for nearly a third or 29.11 percent of the total apprehension of 450,050 people for violating various ordinances in the National Capital Region. (PNA File Photo)

MANILA — A total of 450,050 people in Metro Manila have been apprehended for violation of local ordinances since June this year, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) reported on Friday.

Based on records, from June 13 until 5 a.m. of Nov. 2, nearly one-third of the total, or 130,997 persons (29.11 percent) were caught violating the smoking ban, while 29,151 others (6.48 percent) were apprehended for not wearing shirts.

A total of 28,211 minors violating curfew hours, or 6.27 percent of the total, were also rounded up, along with 20,424, or 4.54 percent, who were drinking in public places or on the streets.

The rest, 241,268 people (53.61 percent), were nabbed for other violations.

NCRPO head, Chief Supt. Guillermo Eleazar, said the Quezon City Police District remains the top performer, arresting 262,847 violators, or 58.40 percent of the total, in Metro Manila.

The Eastern Police District placed second with 94,445 persons (20.99 percent) apprehended, followed by the Manila Police District with 39,986 (8.88 percent); the Southern Police District with 29,391 (6.

53 percent); and the Northern Police District with 23,381 (5.20 percent).

However, Eleazar was quick to clarify that these violators were immediately released after paying a fine or due to humanitarian considerations.

Based on NCRPO data, 84,167 of the arrested violators have been fined, while 56,650 were charged.

The implementation of city ordinances is part of the peace and order strategy of the police.