85 persons arrested in Cebu City for violating liquor ban

CEBU, Philippines - A Bohol-bound vessel of Island Shipping almost failed to sail after one of its officials was arrested for violating the liquor ban yesterday morning.

Jaime dela Cruz, chief engineer of Island Shipping, was placed under arrest while at a drinking session with one Junnel Acebuchi, an apprentice of the vessel, at Pier 3 around 1am yesterday. 

The vessel eventually sailed to Tubigon, Bohol on schedule at 8:30 am after the management of Island Shipping found someone to temporarily take over the place of Dela Cruz.

Cebu City Police Director Patrocinio Comendador said Dela Cruz and Acebuchi were just among the 85 persons arrested in various areas in the city for violation of the liquor ban.

Thirty two persons were arrested within the jurisdiction of the Waterfront Police Station alone. Twenty one others were arrested by the Fuente police, 17 persons by the Mabolo police, nine persons arrested by the Talamban police, six persons by the Mambaling police, four by the Pari-an police, three by the Pardo police, three by the Punta Princesa police, and two by the intelligence branch of CPPO.

Both the Investigation and Detective Management Branch and the San Nicolas Police arrested one violator.

Comendador said police stations have coordinated with establishments across the city to ensure full implementation of the liquor ban. The ban, implemented through Comelec Resolution 8730, took effect one minute past midnight yesterday.

Most of those arrested allege they had no knowledge of the ban, but Comendador said ignorance of the rule is not an excuse. He assured, however, that those arrested would be able to vote today, as they were incarcerated for only less than 24 hours.

Those arrested were made to pay P500 for their temporary release, according to what was agreed between CCPO and Comelec. A formal complaint will be filed against them before the city prosecutor’s office

According to the Comelec resolution, any person who sells, furnishes, offers, buys, serves or takes intoxicating liquor during the period of the liquor ban will be arrested.

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. —  THE FREEMAN