AT LEAST 150 people, mostly minors, were apprehended by local police in Talisay City after they were found loitering at Thursday dawn, June 21.
The operations conducted by local police were part of the Philippine National Police’s Oplan Tambay Sita, which stemmed from President Rodrigo Duterte's directive to prevent loitering as a way to deter crime.
Those apprehended were from barangays Tabunok, Tangke, Lawaan, Dumlog, Pooc and Lagtang, said Superintendent Marlu Conag, Talisay City acting police chief.
But Conag told SunStar Cebu that they only gave “stern warning” to those they apprehended and freed them.
Conag warned those they apprehended that they will be fined for violating the city’s curfew ordinance if they are caught again.
Aside from fines, Conag said that adults who will be apprehended in their operations may spend some time in their station as a penalty, but no jail time will be given to them.
While minors will be turned over to the Talisay City Social Welfare Office, Conag added.
Meanwhile, acting Cebu Gov. Agnes Magpale urged law enforcers to protect and properly handle children that are caught in their anti-loitering campaign. (JKV/SunStar Cebu)