Authorities continue apprehending individuals loitering the streets of Metro Manila in line with the government’s campaign to ensure a peaceful community, especially at night.
The Southern Police District and local police stations caught 103 individuals following simultaneous operations from 5 am last Wednesday until 5 am Thursday in the cities of Muntinlupa, Taguig, Makati, Pasay, Parañaque and Las Piñas, and the town of Pateros.
SPD spokesperson Jenny Tecson said most of those brought to the police stations violated the smoking ban with 61 the total number of apprehension.
She added 32 teenagers were also apprehended for violating the curfew of minors ordinance.
The authorities also arrested individuals caught drinking and urinating in public.
Most of those arrested were from the City of Muntinlupa.
SPD director Eliseo Cruz reminded his men that they should arrest only those who would violate municipal or city ordinances like Urinating and Drinking in Public Places, Half Naked, Making Loud Noise, and Curfew of Minors, among others.
But police operatives can question any suspicious person loitering but not necessarily violating any specific above cited ordinance regarding their presence and business in the area, added Cruz.
President Rodrigo Duterte had ordered the Philippine National Police to step up the campaign against loiterers on the streets.
Meanwhile, lawmen arrested late Wednesday night a 42-year-old man tagged as the number two most wanted person in Pasay City.
Rufino Esik Jr. was nabbed around 11:30 pm along Dolores Street after Pasay City Regional Trial Court Branch 115 Judge Francisco Mendiola issued a warrant for his arrest for the murder case filed against him last year.