300 Filipinos Arrested in Smoking Crackdown

MANILA — Police in suburban Quezon City said today that they have already hauled into jail about 300 violators of a tough anti-smoking law that took effect a day earlier.

Those arrested were locked in holding cells until charges could be prepared against them. After a few hours, they were released pending trial.

The dragnet snagged not only scofflaws but also unwitting violators.

One 19-year-old youth arrived today at the police station, puffing on a cigarette, carrying food for a friend arrested earlier for unauthorized smoking.

The teen-ager was thrown into the cell with his friend after police explained the smoking ban applies in police stations too.

The new ordinance bans smoking in most public places, including buses, restaurants, government offices, hospitals and theaters in the city of about 1 million, part of metropolitan Manila.

Violators who smoke in public places that are not designated for smoking face a $10 fine or 10 days in jail or both.

“No complaints so far,” said Col. Rodolfo Garcia, police station commander and a reformed smoker, speaking about the crackdown. “The people are even pleased because we are protecting them.”