By Chito Chavez The Smoke-Free Task Force of the Quezon City government has intensified its anti-tobacco drive after several individuals including some city hall employees were given citation tickets for violating the smoking policy inside the city hall compound. (PIXABAY / MANILA BULLETIN) The Quezon City health department conducted the surprise inspection at a known smoker’s haven at the foot of the city hall compound following complaints from Barangay Central officials and a nearby establishment about the rampant violation of the anti-smoking and anti-littering ordinance. Smokers were caught and given a warning for violating Executive Order 26, the anti-smoking policy. A nearby store selling cigarettes and food but does not have a sanitary permit was found violating MMDA Resolution No. 02-28, a directive against illegal structures in city streets and public places. The Department of Public Order and Safety and Market Development Administration Department confiscated the store’s merchandise. Dr. Maria Lourdes Eleria, head of the sanitation division of city health department, asked city hall employees to obey the laws and ordinances in the city. Likewise, Councilor Victor Ferrer appealed to city hall employees and clients to give up cigarette smoking or to simply smoke only in designated smoking areas. As smokers who were caught sought reprieve from his office, Ferrer said task force is merely implementing “what is right and that is the anti-smoking law.’’