Metro Manila cops warned not to smoke in public

MANILA, Philippines—The head of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Tuesday reminded his men not to smoke in public places and to observe proper decorum when on duty.

Chief Superintendent Alan Purisima told members of the NCRPO to observe RA 9211, or the Tobacco Regulations Act of 2003, as well as the Napolcom Memo Circular 97-017, warning them that disciplinary actions await violators.

“I am warning those PNP members smoking while in uniform and in public places that they must abide with this directive,” Purisima said.

Metro Manila police station commanders have also been instructed to designate smoking areas for their officers.

These smoking areas should be located outside police stations and out of public view, said Purisima. He reiterated that comfort rooms of police offices are not smoking areas.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority is set to implement a metro-wide anti-smoking campaign starting Friday.

MMDA officers will apprehend violators along main thoroughfares including EDSA, Commonwealth Avenue, Roxas Boulevard, Quezon Avenue, Marcos Highway, Radial-10 Road, Seaside and Osmeña Highway.