PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief Oscar Albayalde on Monday, June 25, reiterated that they will no longer use the term "tambay" or loiterer in their campaign to clear the streets of those who violate local ordinances. Albayalde maintained, however, that there was never a misinterpretation of the order of President Rodrigo Duterte to beef up patrolling to clear the streets. He said the campaign has always been against those who violate local ordinances that prohibit drinking liquor in public, smoking in public, being shirtless in public, among others. “Mere loiterers were never targeted, only those violating local ordinances,” Albayalde said in a press conference in Camp Crame. “All police personnel are governed by the PNP police operational procedures and related operational plans (which) all police officers were trained and are expected to observe and practice,” he added. The PNP is in hot water over the conduct of operations against loiterers especially at night. The Commission on Human Rights launched an investigation into the campaign after Genesis Argoncillo died while in detention at the Novaliches police station. Argoncillo was allegedly arrested for being shirtless in public, an allegation denied by the police, and detained at the Novaliches police station. While in detention, he was mauled by two other detainees, leading to his death. Albayalde said that since Duterte issued the order to clear the streets, at least 11,000 individuals have been accosted. Only 96, however, were arrested and charged. He said the others especially the first time offenders were sent home or were just made to pay fines. To allay fears that the campaign targets mere loiterers, Albayalde said they will stop using the word "tambay." “Pinagbawal na din ang paggamit ng tambay na word walang violation dahil tambay ka. They are being arrested because they violated city ordinances,” Albayalde explained. Earlier, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Chief Superintendent Guillermo Eleazar said they will no longer use the term "tambay" as they continue the conduct of operations against local ordinances violators. "As earlier disseminated, wala ng gagamit ng term na 'tambay' sa mga reports natin or even during interviews.There is no such thing as "Oplan Tambay," he told the entire Metro Manila police. "Let's use 'violations to local ordinances' rather than tambay," he added. Albayalde did not directly answer when asked if he thinks that his men on the ground were “over-doing” the arrest of street loiterers. “Sabi nga natin if that person or ‘yung kababayan natin they feel that their rights were violated at gusto nila mag-complain then its okay sabi nga natin we will investigate and we will punish those we see na talagang nang-abuso,” he said. Albayalde said the outcome of each operation against violators of city ordinances will rely on the judgment of the police and in order to avoid “unnecessary” arrest, he ordered all the police commanders to join their men and guide them in conducting such operation. Citing several arrests which resulted in the public outrage particularly those resulted in the social media, Albayalde pointed out the importance of guidance from police commanders. “If may opisyal na nagli-lead probably alam na kung anong disposition doon kaya nga sinasabi natin they should also use their sound judgement doon when it comes to police operations,” he said. He also noted that he ordered his men to coordinate with the barangay officials affirming the statement of Interior and Local Government undersecretary Martin Dino that the local government units should be leading the operations to enforce the implementation of city ordinances. Despite the criticisms, Albayalde said they will continue the campaign. “Let me point out that the two main objectives of this campaign are to prevent crimes and improve the sense of safety and security of the people in our streets,” he said. He also urged the public to come forward and report to his office if not of the police station in their area any abuse from the policemen. (SunStar Philippines)