Police personnel in Western Visayas should strengthen the enforcement of ordinances against “tambays” or loiterers, following the order of President Rodrigo Duterte.

While there is no guideline yet on the part of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in line with the order of the President, lawmen assigned in cities and municipalities with existing ordinances should “intensify their watch” over loiterers, said Supt. Joem Malong, spokesperson of Police Regional Office 6 (Western Visayas), in an interview Monday.

Meanwhile, cops assigned in areas without ordinances should warn loiterers and encourage them to go home to their respective houses for their safety, Malong said.

He said they are still gathering data from cities and municipalities in the region that have apprehended loiterers who violated their ordinance.

Through Regulation Ordinance No. 2011-676, Iloilo City is among the areas in the region that prohibit minors from wandering, sauntering or loitering from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Iloilo Police Director, Senior Supt. Marlon Tayaba, said they have yet to receive a formal directive from the central office.

“The moment we receive it, we (will) have the mechanics on how to implement it. We are going to do it,” he said. (PNA)