MANILA – Malacañang on Thursday defended the government’s campaign against tambay (loiterers), saying it is part of the crime prevention to clean the streets of criminals.
“I just want to clarify that this campaign against tambay is really part of crime prevention,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque in a Palace media briefing.
Roque said the campaign is also in line with the role of President Rodrigo R. Duterte as chief implementor of the law of the land “to increase police visibility and to enforce strictly existing ordinances.”
“We need to bring the message in the community that our police are roaming around so that those criminals will stop from doing crimes,” he said.
He said other countries in Asia have no half-naked individuals drinking, smoking and loitering on the streets.
“For me, it’s also about time that we promote this kind of a discipline without sanctioning human rights violations,” Roque said.
Roque said if there is any violation, the victims can file charges against law enforcers.
He disputed reports that 7,000 people were arrested everyday as a result of the “anti-tambay” drive.
“We don’t have the space for that, given that we have overcrowding jail facilities. I think it’s physically impossible for one day to accommodate 7,000,” Roque said.
Roque said that majority of the 7,000 could have actually been apprehended and not arrested.
“As I said, the arrest should be followed by the filing of case otherwise they should be released, otherwise our police force will be facing illegal detention (charges),” he said.
He emphasized the target of the anti-tambay campaign are those violating national and local ordinances. (Jelly Musico/PNA)
