SIXTY-ONE “night loiterers” in different cities and municipalities in Pampanga were arrested by local authorities in line with the nationwide implementation of Oplan RODY or the Rid the Streets of Drunkards and Youths campaign.
The campaign, better known as “anti-tambay”, aims to rid the streets of tambays (loiterers) and men roaming around without shirts at night as well as discourage drinking liquor in public.
In Porac town, nine personalities including minors were apprehended for being involved in trouble, stoning and riot or gang wars, while four more were arrested for being half-naked in public places.
Seven minors who were still on streets during curfew hours were also arrested in Porac town.
A total of 24 persons were nabbed by the Mabalacat City police for different violations including drinking in prohibited places, being half naked in public places and violating curfew hours.
Operatives of San Simon police led by Chief Inspector Louie Gonzaga likewise apprehended a total of 16 individuals who were either drinking in prohibited places, violating the smoking ban rule and minors loitering during curfew hours.
All apprehended individuals were brought to their respective police stations for reading of their violations and counseling for minors before they were sent home.
In an interview with Sun.Star Pampanga, Gonzaga said the operation launched recently was just the start of the total vagrant crackdown in San Simon town in compliance with the directive of Philippine National Police Chief Director General Oscar Albayalde.
While they did not detain any individuals yet, Gonzaga said they will not stop the campaign aimed at preventing lawlessness during night time.
“We are doing this not to instill fear, but to teach discipline among public, especially parents and youth. We will continue to roam the streets and hopefully, this will serve as an advise to residents of San Simon,” he said.