The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) reported on Tuesday that it has arrested 22 persons for vaping in public areas while warning 51 stores operating without necessary permits to stop selling vape products or face closure.

In a statement, NCRPO acting director Brig. Gen. Debold Sinas said that the arrested persons were covered from 19 November — the day when President Rodrigo Duterte banned the importation of vape and its use in public places — until Monday, 25 November.

Sinas noted that they have also warned vape stores to refrain from selling the item or they would be closed down.

“Our chiefs of police have coordinated with the local government in inquiring for their permits to sell vape items,” said Sinas in a press briefing.

Sinas also reported that at least 72 vape stores operating in Metro Manila without business permits have been closed and barred from opening shop since the President verbally issued the ban on the importation of vape and vaping in public.

The Philippine National Police (PNP), meanwhile, has recorded the arrest of 243 individuals for vaping in public areas as of 24 November 24 and the arrested persons were brought to police stations and their offense recorded in the police blotter.

Those who were arrested were immediately released afterward, in compliance with the process ordered by PNP officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa to officers in the ground.