Chief Superintendent Leopoldo Bataoil, Northern Police District (NPD) director, said the arrests, mainly in Caloocan City and Navotas, came after he ordered his chiefs of police in the Camanava area to intensify the enforcement of local laws, particularly the prohibition of drinking alcohol in open public places. He said the order is aimed at curbing crimes against persons and property.
In Navotas, a team of 15 policemen augmented by 13 members of Patrol 117 Volunteer Group scoured Phase 2, Dagat-Dagatan area, a depressed community.
Some 20 suspects, including a 15-year-old boy, along R-10, Agora proper and nearby slum areas were hauled off to jail at around 9:30 Sunday night. Two other men were also taken for going about half-naked in their neighborhood.
Navotas Mayor Toby Tiangco, commenting on the police action, said he has consistently stood behind the local council and the police in going after stubborn alcohol drinkers doing their business by the roadside.
Superintendent Genesis Tolejano said those arrested were made to render community service for some six hours. The suspects were made to clean the police headquarters offices and premises before they were released.
In Caloocan, Senior Superintendent Geronimo Reside, city police chief, reported five were arrested by a joint Bike and Mobile Patrol Unit led by SPO1 Rogelio Carbon along 6th St. between 10th and 11th Avenue in Barangay 89.
Bataoil said the campaign was prompted by persistent complaints among the locals.
He said drinking intoxicating beverages along the road hamper motorists, disturb the peace, and pose as a threat to innocent persons, particularly workers doing the graveyard shift and night students, late in the night or early morning the next day.
Riots and neighborhood gang wars have also been caused by drinking late into the night in the open places.
Malabon police chief Senior Superintendent Moises Guevarra and Superintendent Billy Beltran, Valenzuela City police chief, have yet to turn in their report to Bataoil.
A Valenzuela policeman, who declined to be named, remarked that they don’t expect to haul in a big number since the residents, he claims, have learned to believe in the city’s boast that in "Valenzuela, May disiplina," a slogan being pushed by City Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian since assuming office two years ago.
"At saka may class. Sa clubs at beer joints sila umiinom, hindi sa kalye," he said half in jest.