25 nabbed for violating liquor ban

MANILA, Philippines - At least 12 people were arrested in Metro Manila for violating the election-related liquor ban imposed starting at midnight yesterday.

Seven were arrested in Pasig, three in Pasay, two in Parañaque, seven each in northern Metro Manila and in Quezon City, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Leonardo Espina said.

In Manila, city police officer-in-charge Senior Superintendent Robert Po said they failed to enforce the liquor ban since they were too busy securing the miting de avance of Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and his opponent, former President Joseph Estrada.

Espina directed the NCRPO’s five police districts to crack down on liquor ban violators to lessen incidents of violence during today’s midterm elections. The ban – which prohibits the selling and buying of liquor as well as drinking in public – will end at midnight today.

However, drinking and serving liquor may be allowed within a private property, hotels and tourist-oriented businesses certified by the Department of Tourism. Foreign tourists may take alcoholic beverages in these exempted establishments.

Two construction workers and a bar owner in Pasay were among the first to be arrested for violating the nationwide liquor ban. Lucky Miranda and Rommel Combater were caught drinking in Roselyn Banaag’s bar along Aurora street at around 1 a.m. yesterday.

In Navotas, two boys aged 16 and 17 and four others were arrested in Navotas an hour after the liqor ban took effect. They were arrested by barangay watchmen for drinking in public on M. Naval street at around 1 a.m.

The four adults were identified as Jose Cruz, 50; Jason Icamen, 20; Jomark Cruz, 20; and Raj Matthew Alonzo. – With Aie Balagtas See, Perseus Echeminada