Anti-smoking campaign gains ground

MANILA, Philippines - The city government of Navotas announced yesterday that it has arrested a total of 1,853 individuals last year for violation of the anti smoking ordinance report.

In a report submitted to Mayor John Rey Tiangco, City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) chief Lito Osete said the violators were apprehended by the environmental police and TFD enforcers in a series of operations conducted on major roads of this coastal town.

Of the 1,853 apprehensions, 54 violators were referred to the Community Affairs Office for community service, 715 were filed before the fiscal’s office for appropriate charges, while the rests paid the corresponding fines.

Violators of the said ordinance were meted a fine ranging from P300 to P1,000 and/or imprisonment plus a seminar/lecture of the city ordinances or a community service.