By AARON RECUENCO
Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa, officer-in-charge of the Philippine National Police (PNP), has ordered a nationwide crackdown on the use of electronic cigarettes, popularly known as vapes, following President Duterte’s order to ban their importation over public health issues.
Gamboa said he had already ordered all police commanders to increase police visibility in all public places, particularly the vicinity of schools, and to run after those who would dare to vape in no-smoking areas.
“This serves as a warning to them that they (vape users) either follow the law or totally stop from using e-cigarette because of its hazardous effects on their health,” said Gamboa.
On Tuesday night, President Duterte declared that he would ban the importation and use of vapes in public places following the confirmation of vape-related illness involving a 16-year old girl in Central Visayas.
“You know why? Because it’s toxic and government has the power to issue measures to protect public health and public interest,” Duterte was quoted saying.
“I am now ordering all law enforcement agencies to arrest anybody vaping in public. That is like smoking,” he added.
Aside from the Executive Order 26 which bans smoking in public places, there are also local ordinances that bans the same.
In Metro Manila, thousands were arrested for smoking in public since July last year.
Gamboa said the EO 26 and local ordinances can be used to run after vapers since it is similar to smoking in public.
Policemen are also instructed to confiscate e-cigarettes from those who would be caught using them in public places, according to Gamboa.
Malacanang, however, is yet to issue an order and guidelines on the President’s order against importation on e-cigarettes.
