(Eagle News) – Police are only arresting “tambays” or people loitering the streets who have violated local ordinances.
This was according to National Capital Region Police Office Chief General Guillermo Eleazar.
Among those arrested by the police were those found to be drinking along public roads or sidewalks, and those who violated the local curfew laws, including those found walking in public half-naked.
He said that the PNP has been enforcing these ordinances and that they were just given an order by the President to strictly enforce them.
The NCRPO Chief also asked barangay officials to help authorities to strictly implement the said ordinances. He said this was a precautionary measure against those who could commit more serious crimes.
“Kung nakikita nating nagtatambay yan, eh posibleng gumawa ng masama. Eh di arestuhin natin sa corresponding ordinance. Or kung walang ginagawang masama, cautionan natin. Hihintayin pa ba nating mag-akyat bahay yang mga yan kung hindi naman natin kilala at nakatambay dyan,” Eleazar said in a phone interview.
The official still assured that they will enforce the law and at the same time, respect and protect human rights.
“Meron tayong batas na sinusunod at iyon naman ay ginagawa namin, pero we are armed with these laws and guidelines na gagamitin namin against doon sa mga gustong sumira sa ating katahimikan,” Eleazar said.
“May karapatan po ang bawat isa, pero yung karapatan ng mas nakararami, dapat iisipin din natin, kaya nga tulungan po ang kailangan. Kaya pasensyahan po doon sa mga matitigas ang ulo,” he added.
