Amid criticisms, the Philippine National Police (PNP) continues to round up local ordinance violators and loiterers, arresting more than 20,000 in Metro Manila in more than two weeks.
According to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), 20,979 local ordinance violators were rounded-up from June 13 to June 29. President Rodrigo Duterte on June 13 ordered the PNP to accost “tambays” or those loitering in the streets especially at night.
NCRPO director Chief Supt. Guillermo Eleazar released the data on Friday.
Data showed most of those apprehended were violators of the smoking ban with 5,463 or 26 percent of all arrests.
Minors rounded-up for violating curfew hours were at 3,922 or 18.7 percent and those drinking in the streets numbered at 3,447 or 16.4 percent.
Men arrested for being shirtless were at 3,137 or composed 15 percent of all arrests, and others nabbed for other offenses at 5,010 or 24 percent of all arrests.
The Eastern Police District—covering the cities of Pasig, Marikina, Mandaluyong, and San Juan—posted the most arrests with 8,315 or 40 percent.
It was followed by the Southern Police District (SPD) with 4,822 or 23 percent and the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) with 3,544 or 17 percent.
The Northern Police District and the Manila Police District (MPD) posted the least arrest, with 2,165 (10 percent) and 2,134 (10.2 percent), respectively.
Of those arrested, 10,446 or 50 percent were only given warnings while 6,856 or 32.7 percent were made to paid fines. Of those arrested, 3678 or 17.5 were charged by police.
Only three districts held violators in custody, with the QCPD detaining 100, followed by MPD with 94 and SPD with 49. The rest were released by the police. /muf