CAGAYAN de Oro police arrested five persons for violating the election liquor ban, which took effect Saturday midnight until midnight of Monday, May 14.
Candidates in village and youth council elections wrapped up their campaign activities on Saturday, signaling the start of the prohibition on buying, selling, and consuming intoxicating alcoholic drinks.
But at about 3:15 a.m. of Sunday, May 13, police arrested Melchor Cruz, 26, Efren Alipuyog, 39, Marlon Olarita, 25, James Semine, 22, and Shelo Balawis, 31.
The five persons were caught in the act of drinking some bottles of beer at the side walk of Tablon national highway.
Confiscated were one empty ball of beer and another half-consumed beer bottle.
Police Superintendent Mardy Hortillosa, Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo) spokesperson, said they will file appropriate charges against the suspects who are currently detained at Police Station 10 in Barangay Cugman.
Hortillosa said they will remain on alert for other violators as the liquor ban would last until midnight today.
The liquor ban is implemented to ensure peaceful and orderly elections.
Last week, the Police Regional Office in Northern Mindanao seized a total of 92 firearms and arrested 53 gun owners for violating the election gun ban.
The police said no person will be allowed to carry hand guns during and after election period, due to the martial law declaration in Mindanao. (Pamela Jay Orias)