No letup in anti-‘tambay’ drive: 26,792 arrested

Despite widespread criticism over botched operations that led to the relief of policemen in Makati, Manila and Quezon City, the government’s campaign against violators of local laws has continued, resulting in the arrest of 26,792 people since June 13.

The data released by the National Capital Region Police Office showed that only 13 violators were still in police custody. Around 52 percent or 13,982 violators were released after they received a warning, while 8,650 or 32 percent were fined.

Charges were filed against 16 percent or 4,160 violators, mostly from Manila and Quezon City.

A lot of those arrested (7,714 people or 29 percent) were caught smoking in public followed by minors who were found outside their houses despite curfew ordinances (4,768 or 18 percent). Those caught drinking in public places (4,061) or roaming around half-naked (4,050) accounted for 15 percent each of the total number of violators.

The government campaign, initially called a crackdown on loiterers or “tambays,” has been criticized due to possible human rights violations.

Mind conditioning

But at a gathering of lawyers in Makati City last week, Philippine National Police Director General Oscar Albayalde referred to the criticism as “all mind conditioning.”

“We condition the minds of our people that there are violations of human rights,” he said, adding: “These are allegations of the few noisy sectors which we all know have their own personal agenda or interest.”

Since the launching of the crackdown based on a verbal order from the President, at least 15 policemen have been relieved. Nine of them were Quezon City lawmen who were removed from their posts following the death of Genesis “Tisoy” Argoncillo while in their custody. The victim was arrested for being shirtless in public.

Three Malate policemen and their station commander were fired last week after they allegedly tried to extort money from a group of drinkers.