Following the recent repeal of the Iloilo City liquor ban, which prohibited the sale of liquor and other intoxicating drinks after 2:00 a.m. in the city, Mayor Jerry P. Treñas announced the hiring of auxiliary forces to augment city police.
A total of 59 auxiliary personnel took part in a pre-turnover earlier this month, along with a pre-orientation on maintaining peace and order.
An additional 11 were trained to conduct bike patrols, which will be conducted along the Iloilo River Esplanade in an effort to combat vandalism.
According to the repeal order, “Iloilo City has become a center of business and is continuing to progress with the help of tourists and investors devoting their contributions through their businesses in the city.”
Former Mayor Jose Espinosa III initially issued the order after a murder took place in December 2017 at nightlife hotspot, the Smallville Complex, located in the city’s Mandurriao district.
Despite admitting the number of reports surrounding improper conduct due to intoxication has seen a decline, the mayor said he believes such criminality and violence can be further minimized through a partnership between the city government and the involved businesses.
“The liquor ban makes it appear that you have a peace and order problem,” Treñas earlier noted. “Why curtail the liberty to enjoy by everyone?”/WDJ