The continuing campaign against the so-called ‘tambay’ or street loiterers in Metro Manila resulted in the apprehension of more than 369,000 individuals.
Based on the data released by Metro Manila police director Guillermo Eleazar, a total 369,148 persons were apprehended for violating city and municipal ordinances such as drinking in public, half-naked, curfew, smoking ban and urinating in public.
As of 5 am Friday, 17, 424 individuals were arrested for drinking in public; smoking ban with (115,778 arrest); half naked (25,584), and curfew on minors (24,713).
The authorities also arrested 185, 649 people for other various offenses.
The Central Police District topped the list of police districts with the highest number of apprehension in the National Capital Region.
The district got 210,632 violators arrested.
The Eastern Police District placed second with 79,536 followed by the Manila Police District (34,370), then Southern Police District (26,262) and Northern Police District (18,348).
But Eleazar was quick to clarify that violators are immediately released after paying fine or for humanitarian considerations.
He said 66,776 of those arrested were penalized while 44,145 were charged in court.
Most of the violators, on the other hand, were just warned, he added.
The implementation of city ordinances is part of the peace and order strategy of the police.
Eleazar said they are supporting the government’s campaign initiated by President Rodrigo Duterte to go against idlers to get rid of people loitering in the streets, especially at night.