THE Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) strictly enforced the 48-hour liquor ban from May 12 to May 13, BCPO official said.

Police Major Ariel Pico, spokesperson of BCPO, said several police were deployed in various areas to arrest violators.

He said liquor ban is implemented to prevent violent crimes that may be committed by people under the influence of liquor.

The liquor ban started from 12:01 a.m. of May 12 until 11:59 p.m. of May 13.

Pico said the ban includes selling and drinking of alcohol.

“Those who will be caught selling and drinking will be arrested,” he said.

Pico noted that there were some hotels in Bacolod managed to secure an exemption from the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

BCPO earlier deployed a total of 513 security forces in Bacolod for the May 13 elections.

On May 9, the send-off ceremony was led by BCPO acting director Police Colonel Henry Biñas at the BCPO headquarters in Barangay Singcang-Airport along with officials of the Comelec, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection, City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and police station chiefs.

Also present were various religious group leaders in Bacolod City.

Deployed were 298 BCPO personnel, 80 personnel from BFP, 20 personnel from City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and 42 personnel from 303rd and 79th Infantry Brigade.

Acting Bacolod election registrar Ann Janette Lamban earlier said that Bacolod is still under “code green” for the midterm polls.

She said no area in Bacolod has been identified as prone to election-related violence for May 13 elections.

“Bacolod City is peaceful and we are hopeful that this will continue, especially during elections day,” she added.

Green in the watchlist means the area is not a security concern and the area is relatively peaceful and orderly. (MAP)