Cops monitor upland stores, restos amid liquor ban

CEBU, Philippines —  Members of the Cebu City Mobile Force (CCMF) are deployed in Cebu City’s mountain barangays to help enforce the liquor ban and other health protocols.

They are directed to closely monitor restaurants, stores, cafes, and drinking spots located in barangays Busay up to Tabunan.

Wilbert Parilla, deputy city director for operations at the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), said drinking and socializing in public places will increase risk of COVID-19 transmission.

“They (cops) are deployed there starting Friday night. Those caught violating the city-wide liquor ban will be arrested,” he said.

The development came after the request of Mayor Edgardo Labella.

While CCMF monitors the upland areas, force multipliers like Task Force Kasaligan are assigned in lowland barangays.

Labella re-imposed the liquor ban last February 3.

“It shall be prohibited for any person, including owners and managers of hotels, resorts, restaurants, convenience stores, sari-sari stores and other establishments to serve and/or drink intoxicating liquor in any public place within the City of Cebu for the entire duration of any form of community quarantine,” reads Executive Order No. 117.

The EO, however, exempts hotels, resorts and other accommodation establishments. But they are only allowed to serve alcoholic beverages only to their in-house guests, pursuant to prevailing guidelines from the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Aside from COVID-related risks, Parilla said, drinking spree contributes significantly to the increasing trend in vehicular accidents.

"And bisan pa og walay COVID, driving under influence of alcohol is a violation. Grabe gyud ang nahitabong traffic accidents diri," he said.

According to the World Health Organization, road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5-29 years. — KQD (FREEMAN)