Liquor ban violations in Cebu City totals 141

CEBU, Philippines - Police in Cebu City have arrested a total of 141 persons in Cebu City for violating the liquor ban implemented for 48 hours during the election period.

City Police Director Patrocinio Comendador, nevertheless said the election yesterday was “very peaceful.”

“We came in strong by arresting 141 liquor ban violators just to emphasize our seriousness. Expectedly there were queuing in some polling centers resulting to the inconvenience of voters. By and large, it was a very successful political exercise for the city of Cebu. All the stakeholders should take credit and be proud of,” Comendador said.

Those arrested were made to pay P500 for their temporary release for them to also vote, 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 were, however, given exemption.

Meanwhile, the two alleged goons arrested in Compostela town early dawn yesterday were charged before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor yesterday.

Gerald Wagas Yungco, 23, a resident of barangay Poblacion and Dawat Angosar, 34, a resident of barangay Cogon in Compostela were arrested by patrolling members of the Compostela police in sitio Batching, barangay Cabadiangan past 1am yesterday.

Senior Insp. Milo Dagasdas, chief of the Compostela police, said Yungco and Angosar were placed under arrest after they failed to present documents to support the M-15 armalite relfe and carbine rifle with ammunition found in their possession.

In an affidavit, Dagasdas said they were conducting inspection together with tanods of barangay Cabadiangan when they saw the suspects allegedly walking confidently with their firearms.

Yungco and Angosar are facing charges for illegal possession of firearms and for violating the Comelec gun ban. – Niña G. Sumacot and Jasmin U. Labaco/JMO (THE FREEMAN)