Over 4,000 caught in anti-littering campaign

THE METROPOLITAN Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reported on Tuesday that 4,316 violators were apprehended during its anti-littering operations in the first quarter of the year. The MMDA Health, Public Safety and Environmental Police Office said of the total, 965 litterbugs were caught in Jan., 1,053 in Feb., and 2,298 March. MMDA said the common materials thrown by offenders were candy wrappers, cigarette butts, papers, and plastics. Violators, who will either pay a fine of P500 or render an eight-hour community service, are given three days to settle their penalties. Those who fail to do so will be sent a summon, and those who ignore this will be included in the National Bureau of Investigation alarm list. — Vince Angelo C. Ferreras