BAGUIO City Mayor Benjamin Magalong has ordered the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) to lead an aggressive anti-littering campaign since December 28, 2019.
Police Colonel Allen Co, BCPO city director, said 49 litterbugs were arrested since the start of the campaign.
"We accepted the additional work to be part of the further transformation for a better Baguio City under Mayor Magalong, wherein we would like to see Baguio returned to its former glory and may be adjudged as the cleanest and most disciplined city in the country," Co said.
Co said apprehensions were for both tourists and residents.
"That is what's sad about it because our residents should know better and be examples," said Co, relating that several residents were apprehended during the campaign.
During the first day of the intensified anti-littering campaign, December 28, 14 individuals were apprehended. Eight of the violators were residents, while six were tourists. They were issued citation tickets to pay their fines while others opted to render community service.
General Service Officer Eugene Buyucan, during the holiday season, personally monitored the garbage disposal and collection along Session Road and called out establishments that are not observing the proper time of bringing out their garbage.
Magalong also advised Baguio City restaurants and business establishments to observe the proper time to bring out their trash, saying violators of the anti-littering drive will be dealt with accordingly.
The mayor is also mulling to propose to the City Council the passage of ordinances that would impose the payment of environmental fees to tourists.
Collection time at the Central Business District (CBD) is at 5 p.m. and 2 a.m. only and not before or after. He said violators will be identified and reported to the Permits and Licensing Division and the sanitary division of the City Health Office for sanction.
Continuous monitoring of the garbage situation at the CBD will be done.
The Department of Public Works and Highways-Cordillera, meanwhile, reported that over 7,000 vehicles passed through Kennon Road, while 25,000 passed through Marcos Highway en route to Baguio on December 26, 2019.