MANILA, Philippines – Lawmen are being urged not to smoke in precincts and offices, as well as in public areas as they are not exempted from the smoking ban, police said Thursday.
Senior Superintendent Noel Barocerros, Philippine National Police deputy spokesman, said that they have told their men to stop smoking inside police stations and offices as they were also covered by the smoking ban being implemented by the government. He said that police may smoke in common smoking areas and if possible, away from the public eye.
Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr., PNP spokesman, said, “The Philippine National Police fully supports the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, local governments and local health authorities in implementing certain provisions of Republic Act 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 and all related local ordinances that bans smoking in public places and prohibitions on smoking in public utility vehicles enforced by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).”
Cruz said the national police “was duty bound to assist and support the concerned agencies of government in implementing RA9211 as well as in promoting advocacy for a smoke-free environment.”
Barocerros is encouraging the public to notify the PNP of any violations on Presidential Decree 9211 and the National Police Commission (Napolcom) memorandum circular 93-017 which prohibited police officers from smoking in the Napolcom office and PNP camps.
All police officers have been cautioned, said Cruz, “to refrain from smoking while in uniform or while on duty.”
Cruz said that “smoking while in police uniform or while on duty is an absolute taboo in the PNP and is subject to disciplinary sanctions under PNP rules and regulations.” He added that PNP chief Director General Raul Bacalzo reminded “all personnel of Napolcom Memorandum Circular 93-017 ordering a smoking ban in all PNP and Napolcom Offices nationwide.”
Barocerros said smoking in comfort rooms and patrol cars was also out of the question. He added that police who violated the smoking ban would face sanctions not only from the PNP but also from other government agencies implementing the smoking ban.
Designated smoking areas in PNP camps and installations, said Cruz, have been “put up according to specifications set under existing regulations.”
He said that police may smoke in common, open air, smoking areas but should remain out view of the public. Cruz stated that smoking policemen should also dispose of their cigarette butts as well.