ICPO to go after violators of gambling, drinking in public places during ECQ

By Jennifer P. Rendon

For the nth time, the Iloilo City Police Office warned persons engaged in illegal gambling and those who drink liquor in public places.

The warning came in the heels of reports that some beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)’s Special Amelioration Program might use a portion of their P6,000 grant on gambling and buying liquor.

“We will go hard against you,” Police Colonel Eric Dampal, Iloilo City police chief, as he cited President Rodrigo Duterte’s speech on Thursday calling out all illegal gambling activities by SAP beneficiaries.

Dampal said there would be no let-up in their police operations during the implementation of the Enhanced Community Quarantine.

“We will monitor all illegal activities here in the metropolis such as card games, majong and the like. Those caught violating will be dealt with stiffer penalties or charges,” he said.

He also warned persons who sell liquor and drinking in public places which violates Mayor Jerry Treñas’ Executive Order 055 (An Executive Order Implementing Regulation Ordinance No. 2020-056, Series of 2020 in Relation to the Practice of Enhanced Community Quarantine Applicable to All Commercial and Business Establishments, Government Offices and in Residential Areas, and For Other Purposes).

Under Section 10 of EO 55 (Express Prohibition on Liquor), “during the ECQ, the selling, dispensing, and transporting of alcoholic beverages, or any alcoholic drink containing a specific percentage of alcohol by volume or weight which may be in the form of whisky, brandy, gin, rum, cordial, liquor, cocktail, wine, champagne, vermouth, basi, tuba, saki, beer, ale, stout, and others shall be prohibited.”

Dampal said police officers caught violating the order will be dealt with accordingly by the PNP organization.

“I always reiterate to all my men to avoid engaging in any illegal activities since I am so particular on internal cleansing program of the PNP. As public servants we must play as role models to the public especially during these challenging times,” Dampal said.

The Iloilo City top cop also reiterated to ICPO personnel the President’s order to be humane, especially when it involves food for the family.

He also stressed the mandatory wearing of face masks in public places and social distancing.