A TOTAL of 162 sanitation officers have been deputized in a move to strictly enforce Iloilo City's anti-littering ordinance.

They were presented during Monday's (October 28) flag ceremony.

They augment the massive operations in running after litterbugs in plazas, parks, markets, business establishments, canals, rivers, beaches and villages.

These include 35 from Special Services Division, 30 tourist guards, 29 green guards, 20 each from City Environment and Natural Resources Office and General Services Office, 19 from Local Economic Enterprise Office, and nine from Iloilo City Police Office.

They underwent a Paralegal Seminar Workshop last October 21 to 22.

Mayor Jerry P. Treñas issued on October 25 an executive order deputizing additional members of sanitation officers for strict implementation of city's anti-littering regulations.

They conduct patrolling of barangays and monitor cleanliness.

They also issue citation ticket to offenders providing corresponding penalties.

Regulation Ordinance 2004-149 penalizes any person caught littering on the streets, sidewalks, and other public places; urinating, defecating or spitting in public places; painting or posting graffiti and vandalism or any public and private places; and failure to maintain cleanliness of premises and surroundings.

The penalties are P500 for first offense, P750 for second offense, and P1,000 for third offense. (PR)