More than 7,000 individuals were apprehended for smoking and using e-cigarettes or vaping devices in public spaces in Iloilo City.
From January 1 to August 15 this year, the Iloilo City Anti-Smoking Task Force (ICAST) logged a total of 7,278 violators of the anti-smoking ordinance, which also prohibits vaping.
Of the figure, 6,410 were cigarrete smokers and 868 were vapers. The violators, whose age ranged from 18 to 60, include students.
According to ICAST director Iñigo Garingalao, this year’s number was higher compared to the same period last year. He attributed the increase to their intensified monitoring and operations.
“Expected na abi nga may mga estudyante nga makaladakpan subong kay daw hindi gid ta kaintindi sa mga estudyante ta nga gastusan sila sang ila ginikanan, part sang ila budget, ti sigarilyo nila,” he said.
Under Regulation Ordinance 2014-527, those caught smoking and vaping in prohibited places will be fined P1,500 to P5,000 or may face imprisonment of three to 10 days.
On the other hand, those establishments that failed to set up designated smoking areas or allowed smoking in non-designated areas will be fined P2,000 to P5,000 or may face the revocation of their business permits.IMT
