PRO-6 chief warns cops against liquor ban breach

By Jennifer P. Rendon 

Three Western Visayas policemen were criminally and administratively charged for defying the liquor ban while the region was placed under enhanced community quarantine.

Police Staff Sergeant Roy Panaguiton of Sebaste Police Station in Antique province; Police Corporal Arnie Luminario of the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO); and Police Staff Sergeant Paul Pingoy, who was assigned at the Regional Intelligence Division (RID) based in Camp Delgado, Iloilo City were all relieved from their posts.

Their cases, Police Brigadier General Rene Pamuspusan, Western Visayas police chief, should serve as a warning to police personnel against buying or selling intoxicating beverages while the liquor ban is still on.

Pamuspusan also cautioned all unit commanders in the region that they will be held accountable for the misdeeds of their personnel.

The region’s top cop said they will also implement a “one strike” policy.

“We will [find] cause for the immediate relief of commanders who failed to act on the misdeeds of their subordinates,” he said.

Pamuspusan said they would be strict in making sure that policemen follow the law and guidelines that they enforce.

“We mean business in ensuring internal discipline amongst our personnel. Those who will challenge this policy have no place in our organization,” he said.

On Monday, the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) announced the filing of cases against three policemen for violating the liquor ban.

Panaguiton is facing a case for violation of Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC), in relation to Executive Order No. 17-A series of 2020 issued by the Pandan, local government unit; and violations of Republic Act 11332 (Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act) and RA 11469 (The Bayanihan to Heal as One Act).

Luminario, on the other hand, was charged for violation of Article 151 of the RPC, in relation to Executive Order No. 110.

Governor Arthur Defensor signed EO 110 (An Order Further Enforcing an Enhanced Community Quarantine from 01 May 2020 to 15 May 2020 to Protect the Entire Province of Iloilo from the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) on April 30, 2020.

Section 11 (Liquor Ban) of EO 110 prohibited “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.”

Meanwhile, Pingoy was also charged for violation of Article 151 of the RPC and RA 11332, in relation to EO No. 110.