THE Police Regional Office (PRO) in Davao Region on Thursday, June 21, assured the public that the Anti-Tambay Operations of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and its other regular operations are supported by laws.
PRO-Davao spokesperson Chief Inspector Milgrace Driz said PNP's Anti-Tambay Operation is not far from their regular operations on Oplan Sita, enforcement of curfew hours, and similar operations.
She also said that the Anti-Tambay Operation seeks to reduce crime especially at night and protect the communities.
"The implementation and enforcement of these ordinances are covered by laws and ensures the guideline based on the Police Operational Procedures aligned with our community and human rights based policy, respecting the rights of everyone that includes the loiterers, and are done with prudence and done with the highest degree of restraint," Driz said.
She added that minors who are apprehended as part of the anti-tambay operations are turned over to social workers of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The operations include implementation of laws on anti-smoking, anti-nuisance, and sobriety and those prohibiting men from going around in public half-naked and urinating in public.
"Every ordinance of different barangays has different penalties and fines imposed. The police regional director, Chief Supt. Manuel Gaerlan, always remind us on our responsibilities," she said.
The Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation in Davao City, meanwhile, supports the implementation of the Anti-Tambay Operations of the PNP to rid the streets of the idlers.
SK Federation Davao City public relations officer Paolo Dominic Rodriguez, during the AFP-PNP press conference on Wednesday, said the operation will help the youth not to engage in any illegal activity.
Rodriguez said he cannot disagree that most of the idlers on the streets are young people aged 15 to 30. He added that idlers may get involve in illegal and disturbing activities such as riots.
An Oplan Sita is being implemented by the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) to thwart criminal activities, especially at night.
Rodriguez said the youth federation will also reinforce the campaign of the PNP by monitoring all the youth in the barangays in the city through their SK chairman.