By CESAR JOLITO III

The Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NORPPO) will begin enforcing a ban on roadside alcohol consumption within this week, in line with a directive from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), signaling tighter public order measures across the province.

NORPPO spokesperson Police Captain Stephen Polinar said all police chiefs have been instructed to carry out the directive, which prohibits drinking in public spaces such as streets, seawalls, boulevards, and similar areas.

However, Polinar clarified that while enforcement will begin immediately, authorities will initially focus on dispersing violators rather than making arrests, pending clearer operational guidelines from the Philippine National Police and the DILG.

“We will be dispersing individuals or groups found drinking in public places, but in the absence of complete guidelines, there will be no apprehensions yet,” Polinar said.

Beyond the public drinking ban, the directive also covers other community regulations, including a prohibition on individuals roaming shirtless in public areas and the use of videoke machines beyond 10:00 p.m.

It also pushes for stricter enforcement of curfew hours for minors starting at 10:00 p.m.

Polinar added that local police stations have been directed to coordinate closely with local government units to align enforcement with existing ordinances.

Barangay officials and tanods will also play a key role in ensuring compliance at the community level.

Despite the current no-arrest approach, authorities warned that individuals who refuse to comply when called out by police may still face arrest for disobedience to a public officer.

The move is part of a broader effort by the DILG to strengthen discipline and maintain peace and order in public spaces across the country./CJ, WDJ