96 arrested for violating liquor ban

MANILA, Philippines - At least 96 persons were arrested for allegedly violating the nationwide liquor ban that was imposed starting midnight Saturday, the National Capital Region Police Office said yesterday.

NCRPO chief Director Roberto Rosales directed his five police districts to continue implementing the liquor ban of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) until midnight tonight.

Reports reaching Rosales showed that the Manila Police District (MPD) arrested the most number of offenders, with 44; the Eastern Police District followed closely with 37 offenders.

The Northern Police District arrested eight violators – three from Navotas and five from Valenzuela. The Caloocan and Malabon police reported that no violators were arrested.

The Southern Police District recorded seven arrests, while the Quezon City Police District said no one has been arrested for violating the liquor ban as of yesterday afternoon.

Rosales said majority of those arrested were drinking in the streets while others were found in beerhouses, nightclubs and karaoke joints.

In Manila, 10 persons were caught drinking at a bar along Escoda street in Paco four hours after the ban took effect.

Superintendent Jose Hidalgo Jr., chief of the MPD Station 5, identified those arrested as Arjay Soria, 18; Rommel Osensao, 19; Dennis Barros, 26; Jay-Ar Bonifacio, 23; Ricardo Licad, 45; Aljon Agaoa, 20; Philip Modino, 30; Cyruz Santos, 24; Vicente Bucoy, 24 at Amado Gindoy, 27.

Hidalgo said his men only chanced upon the bar patrons because they were originally conducting anti-crime patrols.

He said all 10 would be charged before the city prosecutor’s office for violating the liquor ban. – Non Alquitran, Edu Punay, Reinir Padua, Pete Laude