Driver caught for liquor ban breach

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A driver was arrested for allegedly violating the liquor ban evening of June 19, 2021 in Banate, Iloilo.

Ryan Espinosa, 37, a resident of Barangay Talokgangan, Banate was allegedly caught unloading boxes of liquor in front of a grocery store at Banate Public Market in Barangay Poblacion.

Espinosa was apprehended for violating Executive Order No. 174-B issued by Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. which extended the liquor ban until June 30, 2021 as the province of Iloilo was placed under the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).

Section 1 of the order states that “the consumption/drinking in any setting, whether public or private place, and the selling, furnishing, offering, buying, serving, dispensing and transporting of alcoholic beverages, such as, whisky, brandy, gin, vodka, rum, cocktail, wine, champagne, beer and such other intoxicating drinks, shall be prohibited until 30 June 2021.”

Lieutenant Randy Lambungan, Banate police chief, said a “concerned citizen” informed their station that a truck loaded with liquor was seen in the area.

When police responded around 9 p.m. Saturday, they caught Espinosa unloading 63 boxes of Tanduay Rum Five Years (750ml).

Lambungan identified the owner as Lina Bella Soberano, also a resident of Barangay Poblacion.

Police has subsequently arrested Espinosa and confiscated the boxes of liquor.