The Vices Regulation Unit (VRU) reminded Dabawenyos that alleys are considered public places and are covered by the city’s anti-smoking and liquor ban ordinances.
“Apil gihapon sa coverage sa public areas kanang mga alleys, streets diha sa suok-suok, so bawal gihapon diha, may mga reports, especially sa mga Boulevard area mga duol na balay nga gagmay naa gihapoy mag inom diha sa mga alleys, which is bawal nato diha 24 hours kanang pag inom diha sa public ([The smoking and liquor ban] also cover public areas like alleys and inner streets, so drinking is still prohibited there. There have been reports, especially in the Boulevard area, near small houses, where some people still drink on the alleys. But drinking in those public places is prohibited 24 hours a day),” VRU head Retired Police Lt. Col. Jacy Jay Francia said during the I-Speak media forum.
He noted that the liquor ban and anti-smoking policy in Davao City have already made a significant impact, with fewer cases of people drinking or smoking on public streets—except in hidden spots.
“Unya muingon ang mga tao nga wala naman labot dinhi– apil gihapon na sya sa public places ang mga alley and streets ang mga suok-suok so bawal gihapon didto (When people say that those areas don’t count, they’re wrong—alleys, streets, and corners are still considered public places, so drinking and smoking there are still prohibited.),” Francia added.
Francia said their office continues to strengthen operations by issuing citation tickets to those who violate the ordinances.
Recently, the VRU also monitored funeral homes where drinking and smoking are sometimes observed. Francia shared that they spoke with the persons in charge and provided them with the office’s contact number to report if they see similar activities.
“Nag libot mi sa mga funeral homes dili malikayan, inom, sigarilyo ang funeral homes, ginalibot namo ni, we talk sa mga person in charge didto dapat sila napud mo police, gihatag namo ang contact number tawag sa amoa nga ma enforce didto (We went around funeral homes, and it’s unavoidable to see drinking and smoking there. We made rounds and talked to the persons in charge, telling them that they should also help enforce the rules. We gave them our contact number so that they can call us for enforcement there),” he said.
Francia also said that they monitor transport terminals and waiting areas for smoking activities.
He added that the VRU continues to conduct visits in establishments to remind them about the city’s ordinances on vice regulation and to check on their compliance, such as the posting of required signages. CIO
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