MUNTINLUPA Smoke Free Task Force (SFTF), led by Muntinlupa City Police Station (MCPS), reported that 16 violators were apprehended in Alabang area during “Oplan Sita” on the first day of implementation of the local government’s antismoking policy.
Under Ordinance 17-072, which took effect on October 12, smoking tobacco products and electronic nicotine delivery systems, such as e-cigarette (vapes) or e-shisha, is prohibited in places that are accessible to the public regardless of ownership, workplaces, government facilities and outdoor areas where people converge.
This is allowed only in designated smoking areas compliant with local government unit (LGU) standards.
First-time offenders will be penalized with P500 fee or two hours community service and may face fines of up to P2,500 or eight-hour community service, according to MCPS Col. Marites Salvadora.
Those who defied sales restriction and advertising ban, she said, will be charged up to P5,000, or 14-hour community service.
Salvadora warned violators to pay the penalty within five working days or receive additional charges. Muntinlupa Public Information Officer (PIO) Tez Navarro, meanwhile, cautioned that such operation would be the first of series of surprise inspections throughout the city.
She noted that deputized officers will roam around the city, especially in business parks and transport terminals, to arrest individuals, whether Muntinlupa residents or visitors, smoking in public places or outside the assigned smoking sites.
Earlier, the PIO said roads and parks on subdivisions and villages are not exempted in the smoking ban.