5 men nabbed for drinking on the street in Valenzuela

A police anti-crime drive in Valenzuela City resulted in the apprehension of at least five men drinking liquor on the street past midnight yesterday.

Valenzuela City police chief Senior Superintendent Ranier Idio  said charges of violating City Ordinance 97-45, a law that prohibits drinking in public places, are being readied against Frederick Tabahonda, 31; Joel Argonza, 27; Angelo Ang, 26; Bonifacio de los Reyes, 23; and Ernesto Guanson, 32.

Over the past few days, the Valenzuela City police station had been deluged by complaints from residents of Barrio Bitik in Gen. T. de Leon that their area is becoming a haven of violent gangs, whose violent confrontations have made residents fear going out at night.

Idio said most of those involved in the riots are youngsters and their street fights often occur in dimly lit alleys.

At about 12:30 a.m., Idio and his men conducted an anti-crime drive in the area, which resulted in the apprehension of the five suspects. They failed to arrest any of gang members.

Idio assured residents that the anti-crime drive, also aimed at instilling discipline among residents, will continue in order to protect ordinary residents from street crimes.  – Pete Laude