Lapu-Lapu police exec: 708 smokers apprehended in a week

Cops strictly implement the anti-smoking in public places measure in city

Police Lieutenant Colonel Christian Torres, spokesperson of Lapu-Lapu City Police Office, says they are strictly implementing the anti-smoking ordinance of the Lapu-Lapu City government. | Futch Anthony Inso

LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — The Lapu-Lapu City Police Office (LCPO) has intensified its campaign to implement the city’s anti-smoking ordinance.

This was after the LCPO apprehended and fined 708 individuals, covering the period of September 17-23, for violating the ordinance.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Christian Torres, spokesperson of LCPO, said that each of them was fined P500.

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Public to Lapu-Lapu police: Implement anti-smoking law

Torres said that they also received messages on their social media account from the public, asking them to intensify the implementation of the ordinance.

“Mao nang on the part sa police, wala sad ta magkuwang nga i-implement ta ning smoking in public places. Ang importante nga makita nato nga manigarilyo sa public places, bawal man gyud na siya, naa man tay balaod ana,” Torres said.

(On the part of the police, we were not lacking in implementing the (anti) smoking (ordinance) in public places. The important thing is that if we can see someone smoking in public places (we apprehend them), that is because it is prohibited, there is a law banning it.)

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Smoke in designated areas

Due to this, Torres urged the public to only smoke in designated areas to prevent them from being apprehended.

Aside from this, this will also protect the health of those who don’t smoke.

“Gipanawagan nato sa mga manigarilyohay nga dili tanang tawo gustong manigarilyo. Kadtong gustong manigarilyo, mangita gyud mo ug lugar nga designated for smoking area,” he added.

(We call on those who would smoke that not all people want to smoke. Those who want to smoke, they should look for a place that are designated smoking areas.)

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To non smokers and smokers

“Ang ubang tawo dili ma gyud gusto ana kay makadaot sa ilang health, then kamo nga manigarilyo, kamo nalay pangita ug lugar nga kamo-kamo ra sad ang makasimhot sa baho sa inyong sigarilyo,” he added.

(Other people don’t like to get that (smoke) because this will affect their health, then you who smoke, you should be the one to look for a place where you will only be the one who could smell the smoke of your cigarette.)