Ilocos Norte gov bans liquor during ‘Ompong’

Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos has banned selling, giving, offering, buying, taking in or even serving intoxicating drinks “to mitigate effects of the typhoon,” referring to Ompong.

Marcos issued Executive Order 439- 2018 on Friday partly to stop people from moving around aimlessly during Ompong’s expected onslaught.

Under the order, anyone caught drunk may be held by police until he or she regains sobriety, according to the governor.

Marcos said anyone caught

selling, giving, offering and purchasing intoxicating drinks will be punished.

She, however, did not say what punishment awaited the offender.

The liquor ban followed the suspension of classes and work in all levels and sectors in Ilocos Norte until Friday to prevent any casualties by keeping residents inside their homes or inside evacuation centers.

Ompong is seen leaving the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Monday.

Until then, the liquor ban remains in place.

Marcos has also ordered preemptive evacuations from flood and disaster-vulnerable areas throughout the province.

In Baguio City, Mayor Mauricio Domogan suspended classes in all levels to keep

students safe and advised residents living in mountainous parts of the city to evacuate to safer grounds to avoid casualties.

Domogan said an evacuation center located at Barangay Lower Quarry was ready to accommodate evacuees.