- 1,191 nabbed for smoking in public places (PP)
- 885 apprehended for urinating in PP, stoning, etc.
SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union — Police Regional Office 1 reported that at least 3,324 offenders were apprehended for alleged violations of various local laws and ordinances committed in Ilocos Region. (The period of apprehensions was unspecified).
Police Chief Superintendent Romulo E. Sapitula, Regional Director, said the increased number was the result of an intensified campaign against street crimes in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan.
The police regional office records show that police operatives arrested 352 people due to drinking in prohibited places; 1,191 for smoking in public places; 42 for wearing half naked in public places; 854 for violation of curfew hours and 885 for violations of other ordinances to include Trouble making, Stoning, Gang War, Urinating in Public Places and Loitering.
All apprehended individuals were later released after a legal process, a police official said.
In his statement with local media, Sapitula reechoed the Chief PNP’s directive: “Our intention is not to ruin your leisure time or to accuse you of anything, but it is a proactive way of preventing crimes.”
The regional director further said that the police authorities are only implementing the existing ordinances of various local government units in the region, hence, all residents are presumed to have already known these laws and ordinances.
Police Superintendent Cherry M. Fajardo, PRO1 Spokesperson, added that street crimes are not new and are common problems of the community nowadays. He cited the law on curfew hours where it has been implemented previously, however, problems on the matter still persist.
Fajardo reiterated that the Police Regional 1 main focus is the maintenance of peace and order and continuously conduct of law enforcement against street crimes.
She also appealed to the public for their full support and to report any crime or illegal activities to the nearest Police Stations or with the contact number 072-607-6582. (IS with a report from Liezle Basa Iñigo)
