9 charged violating liquor ban

The police yesterday charged nine persons arrested for violating the liquor ban the night before the synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections the other day.

Personnel of the Pardo Police Station filed a formal complaint against nine men for violation of Comelec Resolution No. 7774, the resolution that prohibits the selling, buying and intake of liquor at the height of the election period.

The ban took effect midnight last Saturday, October 27, and ended midnight after the election day.

The respondents include Wilfredo Vederola, Wilson Cajes, Edward Gatchalian, Leonardo Ferrolino, Arelo Gimongola, Domingo Ferrolino, Francisco Gacayan, Edwin Gathalian and Antonio Olvenario.

They were arrested evening on October 28 amidst bottles of beer inside TC KTV in South Road, Poblacion, Pardo. Olvenario owns TC KTV. 

So far, only the nine were officially charged at the city prosecutor’s office for election-related offenses yesterday, as the Commission and Elections and the police described the synchronized elections as generally peaceful.

The other day, police placed at 36 the number of persons arrested around the region for violating the liquor ban.

Sixteen were arrested in Cebu City while another 16 were arrested from around Cebu Province. One arrest was made in Mandaue City, two in Negros Oriental, and one in Siquijor.

In other election-related offenses, a total of 13 firearms were seized and 13 persons were also arrested.

During the conduct of the synchronized elections, Police Regional Office-7 director Ronald Roderos had required all his commanders to file hourly reports about the peace and order situation around the region. – Joeberth M. Ocao/QSB