For violating liquor ban: Baragay captain in hot water

CEBU, Philippines —  The Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) will investigate the barangay captain in Cebu City who was caught on video in possession of alcoholic beverages in Barangay Kamputhaw Sunday night despite an ongoing liquor ban.

Cebu City is under general community quarantine as a preventive measure against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

"Actually, I don't have a formal report of the incident that happened na there was a government official, a barangay chairman, violating the liquor ban so we will be conducting an investigation on it," said CCPO Director Hector Grijaldo.

He has ordered the chief of the Abellana Police Station to conduct the investigation.

As seen in the video posted on social media, the barangay captain even called a certain ‘major’ when cornered by patrolling policemen.

"Major naa ko ron diri sa ga-birthday ron, major, ba… birthday sa akoang uyab ron major ba… naa sa gawas pero naa ra sa gate sa iyang balay… dia man gu'y nisita diri, iya man jud dal-on… gihangyo nako nya di man jud madala (Major, I’m here with the birthday celebrator… it’s my girlfriend’s birthday, major… we’re outside the house but just near the gate… our attention was called… I requested to just let this go but it’s not working)," the barangay captain said over the phone.

Seen in the video are cases of alcoholic beverages outside the house.

Kamputhaw councilman Ramir Salonoy who was with the cops during the patrol said the man in the video identified himself as Barangay Kalunasan captain Nunilon Monares.

Salonoy said there was resistance when the cops advised Monares to stop the event.

City Comment

Cebu City Legal Officer Rey Gealon told The Freeman that Mayor Edgardo Labella has instructed the creation of a Committee of Three lawyers to investigate the incident.

“We will coordinate with the PNP on the matter for whatever evidence they may have gathered for violation of the liquor ban, among others…. on the administrative aspect, he may be charged for violation of RA 6713 otherwise known as the Code of Conduct for Public Officials and Employees,” Gealon said.

“Under the Law, Public officials and employees shall at all times be accountable to the people and shall discharge their duties with utmost responsibility, integrity, competence, and loyalty, act with patriotism and justice, lead modest lives, and uphold public interest over personal interest…. the Mayor emphasized that those are the necessary norms of conduct that people in government ought to abide and live by,” he added.

Police Major Elisandro Quinano said an incident report is being prepared. There were reportedly two other people arrested that night for drunkenness.

Grijaldo said the police will not extend special treatment to anyone, so much so to government officials who are expected to be the role models. He said barangay officials are supposed to be the frontliners in following and upholding rules.

"We don't have the power nor the exemption to say that laws should be violated... sila dapat yung magpapakita ng tamang pagsunod sa batas natin (they are the ones who are supposed to show us how our laws should be followed)," Grijaldo said.

He said the video showed clearly that the cases of alcoholic beverages were outside the house.

"Shall we say you drink inside your house and within you premises, it is allowed, but if you go beyond your premises, that is considered a public place which is not acceptable," Grijaldo said.

He said the investigation will also trace where the captain’s group purchased the alcoholic drinks, considering that the liquor ban also means a ban on the sale of alcoholic drinks.

"Sometimes kasi very broad… pagka bumili ng inumin, minsan may mga stock pa sila, or bigay ng mga kaibigan nila (It can be broad sometimes because it is possible that they have existing drinks at their house or their friends gave it to them)," Grijaldo said.

Curfew

Meanwhile, Grijaldo yesterday called on parents to watch over their children as there were reportedly a few minors seen outdoors after the city implemented a ‘stay at home’ order.

"They will be hold accountable when they are not doing their part, " Grijaldo said.

He emphasized, however, that the police will not be harsh but will continue to remind parents of their responsibility to their children.

He said children in the streets with nowhere to go home to will be turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).  JMO (FREEMAN)