In response to plans by the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) to confiscate cigarettes during the Dinagyang Festival even if they are not lit, City Councilor Romel Duron, who serves as Sangguniang Panlungsod majority floor leader, called it “theft.”

“[The] taking of personal property without the consent of the owner is plain and simple theft,” the city official stated. He added, the individual in question is permitted to resist confiscation and law enforcement officials engaged in such apprehensions can be sued for theft.

“Ang ginabawal ta ang smoking [in public places] (Smoking in public places is prohibited),” he explained. “Once masindihan kag ma-emit na ang smoke that is a violation; kon wala masindihan, you did not violate any ordinance (Once a cigarette is lit and emitting smoke, that is a violation; if it is not lit, you did not violate the ordinance).”

Duron said police may be “ignorant” when it comes to the law.

Meanwhile, he also discussed search procedures proposed by the police, including the inspection of compartments in private vehicles.

“May legal implication ina (There are legal implications with the proposal),” the city official pointed out. “ It should be voluntary; if they agreed ti buksan mo pero kon indi, you will be violating ila rights (It should be voluntary; if they agree, you can open the compartment but, if they disagree and you conduct a search, you will be in violation of their rights).”

He added, searches should only be conducted if police have a search warrant./WDJ