The Local Government of Tagum, through its Anti-Smoking Task Force, intensified its campaign against smoking and vending of tobacco products in public and critical areas in the city, apprehending 129 violators in the last three months.
Pursuant to the City Ordinance No. 703 passed in 2015, which regulates the use and sale of cigarettes and other related products here in accordance with the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, the Anti-Smoking Task Force conducted surprise inspections to stores and establishments, and series of patrolling to major areas and thoroughfares of the city along with massive information dissemination to ensure full-compliance of the local smoking ban.
From January to March 29, 2017, eight (8) stores and 121 individuals, of whom 24 are non-residents of Tagum City, were caught violating the ordinance by either using or selling cigarettes in prohibited places. Said violators were given citation tickets and a 3-day period to pay the penalties charged depending on the degree of offense committed.
First-time offenders will be given the penalty of P 1,000; second offense is fined with P 2,500 and third or subsequent violations are charged with the penalty of P 5,000. Violators who will fail to pay the monetary charges will be subjected to imprisonment from one to four months at the discretion of the court.
Included in the prohibited areas are schools and public buildings, terminals, restaurant and food chains, internet cafes, parks, cemeteries, gasoline and LPG stations, hospitals and clinics, sidewalks and city streets, among others.
In 2016, the City Government of Tagum received the Department of Health’s Red Orchid Award for its massive and comprehensive efforts to implement a 100% Tobacco-Free Environment and for complying the MPOWER Initiatives of the World Health Organization in enforcing its smoking ordinance.
Meanwhile, the Anti-Smoking Task Force, as composed by the City Health Office, Security Management Office, City Information Office, and the Tagum City Police, among others, continuously reminds the people of Tagum to end the use of tobacco products since it bring adverse effects especially to their health. The Task Force also guaranteed the enforcement of the ordinance at all times, everywhere in Tagum. Roy Banias/CIO Tagum
