(Eagle News) — Malacañang clarified on Thursday, June 21, that loiterers are arrested only if they violate existing laws.
These laws, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said, include ordinances against smoking, drinking in public places, among others.
“Lilinawin ko lang po na itong kampanya laban sa tambay is really a part of crime prevention. It is in line with the President’s role as chief implementor of the law,” he said.
No arrest of 7000 loiterers therefore, took place, contrary to what some media reported, he said.
He said the loiterers were merely told to go home.
“We don’t have the space for that given that mayroon na nga tayong overcrowding sa jail facilities natin,” he said.
Should there be police officers who violate the rights of some individuals during operations, Roque said the public should file charges against them.
“It’s about time that we promote this kind of discipline without sanctioning human rights violations,” he said.