3 men in drinking spree along Coastal Road nabbed

Authorities on Wednesday, November 22, has filed charges against three men caught drinking alcoholic beverages at the newly-opened Coastal Road, violating a city ordinance regarding the drinking of liquor in public places.

Police said the three suspects, one of whom had a knife, were arrested during an operation kap-kap (frisk)last Tuesday night.

Chief Inspector Allan Curato, police station 3 chief, said his men were patrolling at the area when they saw the three at around 11:00 p.m.

Village officials had put up signs along the Coastal Road announcing the liquor ban at all time after it opened to vehicular traffic last November 10.

Curato said the three insisted that they were not aware that drinking alcoholic beverages at the Coastal Road is prohibited.

Police brought the suspects at the prosecutors office yesterday for the filing of appropriate charges.

Curato said though the suspects can pay the penalty of about P1,500 each, he pointed out that there are laws and city ordinances that must be followed and that authorities would strictly enforce them.

Meanwhile, Curato is set to meet with the village chiefs of Barangays Gusa and Lapasan for the proposed construction of a police outpost at the coastal road and the deployment police personnel to respond to any incidents that may likely happen at the area.

Curato said he would also discuss with the village officials on how to address the problem of streetlights.

But for the time being, Curato said he has ordered his men to conduct regular patrolling and roving activities in the area to thwart possible commission of crimes.