By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan/PNA
MANILA — A total of 488,526 individuals have been apprehended for violating local ordinances since June this year, the National Capital Region Police (NCRPO) announced Tuesday.
Based on records, from 5 a.m. of June 13 until 5 a.m. of Nov. 13, a total of 138,005 persons (28.05 percent) were caught violating the smoking ban, while 30,759 others (6.30 percent) were arrested for not wearing shirts.
Meanwhile, a total of 30,216 minors violating curfew hours, or 6.19 percent of the total, were also rounded up, along with 22,322, or 4.54 percent, who were found drinking liquor in public places or on the streets.
The remaining 267,224 people (54.70 percent) were nabbed for other violations.
NCRPO head, Director Guillermo Eleazar, said the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) remains the top performer, as it arrested 286,416 violators, or 58.63 percent of the total figure in Metro Manila.
The Eastern Police District (EPD) placed second with 101,764 persons (20.83 percent) apprehended, followed by the Manila Police District (MPD) with 42,684 (8.74 percent); the Southern Police District (SPD) with 31,192 (6.38 percent); and the Northern Police District (NPD) with 26,470 (5.42 percent).
Eleazar, however, clarified that these violators were immediately released after paying a fine or due to humanitarian considerations.
Based on NCRPO data, 93,446 of the arrested violators have been fined, while 63,938 were charged and 331,142 were given warning.
The implementation of city ordinances is part of the PNP’s efforts to ensure peace and order.