By Diana Tomale, Davao Today Intern
DAVAO CITY – Authorities here arrested more smokers than the previous years, as they noted also an increase in the number of establishments which violated the anti-smoking ordinance.
The Anti-Smoking Task Force recorded a total of 4,396 arrests last year, which include individuals and establishments, for violating the City Ordinance No. 0367-12, known as The New Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance.
Dr. Domilyn Villarreiz, co-chairperson of the Anti-Smoking Task Force, said the number of arrests this year is much higher than the previous years.
“We used to have just 3,000 plus, usually 3,500. It increased to around 800,” she said.
“There are still violators among restaurants and night spots. There was one night spot that I visited which allows people to smoke in an outdoor space where there are people,” she said. The city ordinance disallowed smoking in outdoor areas near entrances and exits of buildings or establishments.
But as the number of arrests increased, Villarreiz said this also translated into higher revenues, reaching P2, 370,796 from the period June 2013 up to November last year.
“We collected P1.4 million last year alone,” she said.
The Mobile Patrol Group apprehended the number of violators with 1,577, followed by Talomo Police Station (770), Sta. Ana Police Station (535), San Pedro Police Station (521), Sasa Police Station (333).
“This year, the anti-smoking campaign in Davao City would turn 13 years on May 31. So, on its 13th year, we will be giving recognition to individuals, the enforcers as well as the police stations and station commanders, those in the top five,” Villarreiz said.
Villarreiz said that it is high time for the Anti-Smoking Task Force to intensify the campaign this year.
“Maybe we would go into each establishment and check for compliance which means placing of signages and also informing the customers which we always do but this time, we really have to look into details,” she said. (davaotoday.com)
