NCRPO chief orders stations to set up smoking areas

MANILA, Philippines - National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Chief Superintendent Alan Purisima directed yesterday his five police directors and 37 station commanders to designate smoking areas in their headquarters.

Purisima issued his directive as he warned policemen, especially those performing their duties, of administrative sanctions if they are found smoking in public places.

“I am warning those PNP (Philippine National Police) members smoking while in uniform and in public places that they must abide with this directive,” Purisima said. “Go ahead, try me.”

Purisima directive came following an announcement by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) that they will strictly implement the anti-smoking ban in public places in Metro Manila starting July 1.

In his directive, Purisima said all police stations in Metro Manila must have designated smoking areas, which should be properly marked and provided with trash bins. He said these areas should be outside the station and preferably not in public view.

He added that restrooms should not be used as smoking areas.

“The smoking ban in public places is also well-based on one explanation: second-hand smoke or the smoke exhaled by a smoker and later inhaled by other people causes more harm to those non-smokers exposed to SHS,” he said.

Purisima reiterated his earlier directive for Metro police officers to refrain from smoking in public view and observe proper decorum while on duty.