Barangay official apprehended in community smoke-free operations
A barangay official was not spared from the smoke-free community operations in Aurora Hill.
The Smoke-Free Baguio Task Force led by Mayor Benjamin Magalong said the barangay official was among those apprehended during a community enforcement operation conducted by deputized enforcers from the Aurora Hill District and the task force last June 23. 2025.
The others were establishments caught selling cigarettes in violation of Ordinance No. 34 -2017 or the Smoke-Free Baguio Ordinance.
Citation tickets were issued to the barangay official and other violators while cigarettes and other tobacco products were confiscated from the establishments.
The violators were advised to comply with the requirements set by the ordinance and pay their fines promptly.
The Smoke-Free Baguio Task Force said community enforcement operations are being sustained and enhanced to ensure that individuals and establishments in the barangays do not violate the Smoke-Free Baguio Ordinance.
The task force said similar operations were conducted in the different barangays.
On June 30, a community enforcement operation was carried out by deputized enforcers, University of the Cordilleras Criminology and Forensic Science interns and sanitation inspectors from the City Health Services Office at Guisad Central.
“While most establishments were found to be compliant with the guidelines set by the Smoke-Free Ordinance, several establishments still received citation tickets as a result of the operation, with some cigarette products and tobacco leaves being seized,” the task force reported.
The offenders were told to strictly abide by the ordinance’s requirements and quickly pay their fines.
Another operation at the Lucban District on June 24 netted establishments that still sell the products despite their proximity to prohibited areas resulting in the issuance of citation tickets to several establishment violators and the confiscation of cigarettes and other tobacco products.
Ordinance No. 34 -2017 prohibits the use, sale, distribution and advertisement of cigarettes and other tobacco products including vape products in public utility vehicles, government-owned vehicles (mobile and stationary), accommodation and entertainment establishments, public buildings, public places, enclosed public places or any enclosed areas outside one’s private residence or private place of work except in duly designated smoking areas duly approved and fully compliant with the requirements.
It specifically prohibits the use, sale, distribution and advertisement of cigarettes and other tobacco products within 100 meters of schools, public playgrounds, or other facilities frequented by minors, offices of the Department of Health and attached agencies, hospitals, health and government facilities. – Aileen P. Refuerzo
