By JEN BAYLON
The Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) has implemented a strict two-day liquor ban across the region from May 11 to 12, in line with Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution No. 11057, as part of efforts to ensure peaceful and orderly midterm elections.
The ban prohibits the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in all public places until election day, May 12.
PRO-NIR Regional Director Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay stressed the importance of the liquor ban as a key security measure to prevent alcohol-related disturbances that could disrupt the election process.
“The liquor ban is a critical component of our security preparations for the 2025 elections,” Ibay said.
To enforce the ban, PRO-NIR is working closely with local government units and Comelec, deploying monitoring teams and conducting inspections of establishments to ensure full compliance.
Violators face penalties under election laws, including fines and possible imprisonment.
The police have urged residents, tourists and business owners to cooperate fully with the mandate and to report any violations or suspicious activities immediately to the nearest police station.
This collective vigilance aims to maintain a safe, calm and orderly environment for all voters during the election period.
The liquor ban complements other security measures recently finalized by Comelec, the Philippine Army, and PRO-NIR to safeguard the integrity and peace of the elections amid potential challenges.
Security deployment plans
Key officials from the Comelec-NIR, the Philippine Army, and the PRO-NIR convened at the Regional Election Monitoring Action Center on Friday, May 9, to finalize strategic security deployment plans for the midterm elections to ensure a peaceful and orderly election process.
Contingency plans were a significant focus, addressing potential challenges such as violent clashes stemming from intense political rivalries, threats from communist terrorist groups, and natural disasters like volcanic eruptions that could disrupt election day activities.
These plans include alternative measures such as relocating voting centers if necessary as part of the region’s preparedness to maintain election integrity under various scenarios.
Ibay emphasized the importance of enhanced coordination and communication between the military and police forces to effectively manage any difficulties before and during election day.
This finalization follows earlier deployments of over 7,000 security personnel — including police, military, coast guard and fire protection units — across NIR to secure polling centers and ensure voter safety.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health in NIR has also been placed on white alert from May 9 to 15, anticipating increased movement and the possibility of medical emergencies during the election period./JB, WDJ