Police augmentation stays as city gov’t lifts liquor ban
The augmentation from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB-7) has been extended in Cebu City to help monitor high-risk establishments following the lifting of liquor ban and the filing of certificates of candidacy.
The Cebu City Police Office and the city government made the request for the extension of services of the augmentation personnel from RMFB-7.
CCPO director, Police Colonel Josefino Ligan, in yesterday’s press conference with acting Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, said that the augmented personnel are such a big help in their continued battle against COVID-19 and in maintaining the city’s peace and order in general.
“Dako kaayo (og tabang) especially sa nagsingabot nga election, the filing of candidacy and then comes November 1 and 2 and then dere-derecho na. Dako kaayog tabang plus wala man gyud mawala ang atong anti-criminality campaign, ang flagship program sa PNP,” said Ligan.
Some of the personnel from the RMFB7 will continue to be deployed in barangays but most of them will help in monitoring high-risk establishments, like bars and restaurants.
“Yes naa gihapon sila diha (barangays) though with this executive order nga bag-o, we’ll be focusing more on the inspection sa mga establishments, katong mga high risks nga gi-mention like bars and restaurants because serving of liquor is allowed so adto ta mag inspection didto kana nga mga areas na pud,” Ligan said.
In line with this, Ligan also reminded establishments to secure the necessary permits before they could go serve liquor again to their customers.
“With the executive order, on high-risk establishments, they need to secure those requirements as mentioned before they will open their bars. Basin nagtuo silag naa nay executive order mag open na ka dayon sila,” said Ligan.
For those who have not yet applied for the necessary permits, Ligan said, they still can secure it now.
Aside from the permits, the police force will also be checking on the customers’ vaccination cards at random.
For establishments caught violating the latest EO, Ligan said they will recommend the closure of the said establishment. One glass policy Meanwhile, the town of Moalboal in southern Cebu is now implementing a one glass or one bottle per person policy for those who will buy liquor and consume liquor.
An executive order issued by Mayor Paz Rozgoni lifting the liquor ban and setting guidelines in the selling and consumption of liquor in the town.
“One glass/bottle per person policy shall be imposed by business establishments and be strictly observed by liquor-consuming individuals. This mean that, for any instance where consumption of liquor is involved, there shall be no sharing drinking glass or bottles. Each person must use his/her own drinking glass/bottle at all times,” read part of EO No. 33 issued on September 30, 2021.
The lifting was imposed following the decrease of the number of cases of coronavirus disease in the town “and in consideration of the clamor or many business establishments who are involved in the selling of liquor products”
Under the order, during the liquor consumption session, physical distancing must still be observed.
In the event that during the session, there will be food prepared, the group of individuals must not share utensils.
The guidelines are applicable to all kinds of drinking sessions in the establishments and even during intimate and special occasions with friends and family.
Those who are not complying with the guidelines may face charges for violating Republic Act 11332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Disease and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act, which provides a penalty of P20,000 to P50,000 or imprisonment of at least a month to six months.
The order is effective October 1, 2021.