THE Davao City Police Office (DCPO) confirmed the arrest of 10 individuals for violating the Commission on Elections (Comelec) liquor ban as of election day, May 12, 2025.
DCPO spokesperson Police Captain Hazel C. Tuazon said in a media interview that five individuals were apprehended in Lubogan, Toril, after they were caught drinking alcohol along the roadside. Later that evening, two more individuals—a man and a woman—were arrested on Bayanihan Street, also in Toril, for the same offense. Three others were apprehended in the Bolton area of Barangay 1-A.
Tuazon reminded the public to follow election-related regulations, saying, “We urge everyone to respect the law and avoid actions that may compromise public safety and the integrity of the elections.”
The arrested individuals face charges under Section 1 of Comelec Resolution No. 11057, which prohibits the sale, distribution, and consumption of alcoholic beverages 48 hours before and on election day. Violators may face imprisonment ranging from one to six years.
Comelec had earlier reiterated the strict enforcement of the liquor ban across the country, including the Davao Region, to help ensure peaceful and orderly elections.
Despite the liquor ban violations, authorities reported that the overall situation on election day in the region was peaceful. According to the Police Regional Office-Davao (PRO-Davao), no major election-related violent incidents were recorded, and polling operations proceeded smoothly across cities and municipalities.
Law enforcement agencies remain on heightened alert to maintain peace and order post-election. In a statement, PRO-Davao emphasized that this continued vigilance reflects their commitment to safeguarding democratic processes and public safety during and after the electoral period. DEF