KALIBO, Aklan – The campaign to make this capital town smoke-free is “in full swing,” according to Councilor Cynthia Dela Cruz.
Dela Cruz, chairwoman of the Sangguniang Bayan committee on environment and health, said Kalibo’s anti-smoking task force has arrested a total of 104 in individuals and sari-sari stores in a month.
The task force, led by team leader John Peter Madula, has been strictly enforcing Municipal Ordinance No. 2016-008 (Comprehensive Smoke-Free Ordinance of the Municipality of Kalibo) recently in line with the municipal government’s goal.
The ordinance prohibits smoking and vaping in public places, such as within or near schools, public utility vehicles, bus terminals, government offices, and health facilities.
Of the 104, 90 were individuals caught smoking in public places. The remaining 14 were stores selling cigarettes.
Of the number, 41 paid their penalties while 29 others were given demand letters to pay their fines.
“The operation of our anti-smoking task force is now in full swing,” said Dela Cruz, adding that two malls in Kalibo are also supporting the ordinance by banning smoking inside and outside their premises.
Under the ordinance, violators are fined P500 for the first offense, P1,000 for the second offense, and P2,500 for the third and subsequent offenses.
Anyone caught selling tobacco products in prohibited areas will be fined P1,000, P1,500 and P2,500 for the first, second, and third/subsequent offenses, respectively.
Information campaign about the smoking ban was also conducted in shopping centers, schools, the Kalibo International Airport, public markets, and cockpits./PN
