Two-day liquor ban on; 19 violators nabbed

MANILA, Philippines – At least 19 persons were arrested for violating the liquor ban during the first few hours of its implementation, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said yesterday.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has imposed a liquor ban from May 8 until 12:01 a.m. on May 10 because intoxication may cause trouble during the elections.

The 19 were arrested in the regions of Ilocos, Western Mindanao and Northern Mindanao during the first hours of the liquor ban, according to PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Wilben Mayor.

“There were seven people arrested in Metro Manila. From Region 1, a person was arrested, eight persons in Region 9, and three in Region 10,” he added.

Under the Omnibus Election Code, selling, offering, buying, serving or taking liquor is strictly prohibited starting on the eve of election day.

But Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said hotels and other establishments duly certified by the Department of Tourism as “tourist-oriented” and “habitually in the business of catering to foreign tourists” may be exempted for justifiable reasons upon prior authorization of the Comelec.

As to the implementation of the gun ban, Mayor said the PNP has arrested 4,092 persons and recovered 3,372 firearms, 37,365 deadly weapons, and 35,454 rounds of ammunition.