Friday, May 26, 2006
559 smokers arrested
SOME 559 violators of Davao City's anti-smoking ordinance were apprehended by police in the first quarter of 2006, the Davao City Anti-Smoking Task Force said.
This was bared by Task Force head Domilyn C. Villareiz in a report submitted to Davao City Police Office (DCPO) chief Catalino Cuy that covered the period from January to May.
"These violators were caught violating in places na bawal," Villareiz said during Thursday's I-Speak press conference.
Villareiz made it clear that selling of cigarettes is prohibited within 100 meters from the perimeter of schools, public playgrounds, or other places frequented by minors as stated under Republic Act 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act.
Villareiz said violators will pay P5,000 penalty or imprisonment of not more than 30 days for the first offense. The penalty for second offense is P5,000 and imprisonment of not more than 30 days.
In the first quarter of the year, Villareiz said, a total of 331 business establishments, upon application of business permit from the Business Bureau, were not allowed to sell cigarettes because they are near schools while 2,793 were given permits.
Villareiz said before an establishment is given permit by the Business Bureau to sell cigarettes, they are inspected by the City Engineer's Office to determine their proximity to schools.
She said the police conduct monthly inspection on establishments' compliance to the ordinance.
"Those allowed, they should have a sign that says selling of cigarettes below 18 years old is prohibited," she said. (BRQ)
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (May 26, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
