Recom declares all-out war vs smoking in public

Caloocan City Mayor Enrico “Recom” Echiverri has ordered members of the Reformed Department of Public Safety and Traffic Management (RDPSTM) and the barangay police to arrest individuals who will violate the “smoking ban” that is now strictly being enforced in the city since Friday.

With this directive, elements of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) can expect to have staunch partners in the RDPSTM and barangay police as they enforce the smoking ban in public places.

Recom at the same time coordinated with Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas president Councilor Ricojudge “RJ” Echiverri to teach members of the barangay police how to properly arrest violators.

Echiverri said that one will be given special treatment when it come to effecting arrests in accordance with the smoking ban since this will be one way to instill discipline among smokers in the city.

He warned the enforcers not to abuse their power or authority in observing the law. The mayor said violators who felt that they were mistreated in any way can report the incident to his office.

Since Friday, smokers caught huffing and puffing in public places were given warnings, with their names jotted down by enforcers from the local government. On their second offense, the smokers will be meted with a fine in accordance with the law.

The MMDA launched last June 1 an extensive information campaign on the smoking ban, saying that its implementation in Metro Manila would begin after a month’s time.

Caloocan City was among the first local government units (LGUs) to implement a smoking ban in public places.