THE Police Regional Office in Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) strictly enforced a nationwide liquor ban on May 11 and 12 for the national and local elections (NLE).
Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR officer-in-charge, said they were implementing the liquor ban pursuant to Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution 11057.
The liquor ban started at 12 a.m. of May 11 and will end by 11:59 p.m. of May 12.
Ibay said the liquor ban prohibits the sale, purchase, and consumption of alcoholic beverages in public places during the said period, to help ensure a peaceful and orderly election.
“The liquor ban is a critical component of our security preparations for NLE 2025. We call on everyone to cooperate and remain responsible citizens to help ensure credible, safe, and peaceful elections throughout the Negros Island Region,” he said.
Ibay said full compliance is expected from the public and business establishments alike.
He said the PRO-NIR, in coordination with local government units and Commission on Elections (Comelec), will deploy monitoring teams and conduct inspections of establishments to ensure adherence to the ban.
He added that violators may face penalties under existing election laws, including imprisonment and fines.
Ibay urged all local residents, tourists, and business owners to be guided accordingly and to report any violations or suspicious activities through the nearest police station.
Lawyer Jossil Macute, Comelec assistant regional director for NIR, said for the case of vote buying, the complaint can take pictures and videos as digital evidences and report to the nearest police station or to the Comelec.
He said the complainant should be ready to file an affidavit for the filling of the case against the alleged vote buying.
He said the police or the Comelec cannot act on the complaint that will be posted only on social media.
Macute noted that the complainant should report it personally to the authorities so they can act it immediately.
Meanwhile, Macute reminded the candidates that it is the time to relax and let the people cast their votes.
"Let's respect the decision of the Filipino people so we can have a peaceful elections," he said. (MAP)