Philippine Police to Arrest Students Caught Smoking or Vaping in Public Places

According to foreign media reports today, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced yesterday that it will arrest students caught vaping or smoking in public places.

According to PhilStar Global today, in an interview broadcast on dzBB, PNP Public Information Office Director Colonel Redrico Maranan said police will enforce local government laws and ordinances banning vaping and smoking.

According to media reports today, Maranan said: "Yes, we will arrest students for vaping and smoking. Our local ordinances will be enforced by the police, as ordered by our PNP chief, General Benjamin Acorda Jr."

He explained that these ordinances would greatly help ensure public discipline.

"These local ordinances will help restore discipline and obedience among the public. So this is part of what the police will enforce in the community," he said.

He also highlighted the PNP's Oplan Bisita EskWela program, which requires police to visit communities and patrol schools.

"Police officers should go to schools and coordinate with principals, teachers, and students," Maranan said.

"There are crimes occurring in schools, whether related to fraternities or rumors. Our police should be present in schools and coordinate with school officials," he added.