ILOILO — A region-wide crackdown on public drinking and disorderly conduct is now in full force as the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) moves to enforce local ordinances, with violators facing immediate arrest under a zero-tolerance policy along roads and public spaces.
The enforcement aligns with the directive of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) under Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, who underscored the need to reclaim public spaces and improve community safety.
“We need to ensure our streets are safer,” Remulla said, stressing that the campaign is meant to deliver tangible improvements in peace and order.
PRO-6 regional director Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan said police units have been ordered to strictly implement city and municipal ordinances, particularly those banning the consumption of alcoholic beverages in public places such as roadsides.
“Daily may monitoring tayo sa accomplishment…Ang ating mga patrollers makakatulong ‘yan sa pagsita, lalo na ang umiinom sa kalye na mga nakahubad…Lagi tayong nagpa-patrol,” Ligan said.
He clarified that while some violations may initially merit a warning, public drinking on streets — especially involving topless individuals — will be met with immediate arrest.
“First time, first offender. Iikot ang police… pagsasabihan muna. Now, dalawang ikot, tatlong ikot kung same pa rin ang ginagawa, niloloko na tayo. Kunwari, construction worker, kakatapos lang magpala, mag-construction, nainitan, naghubad, tapos huhulihin ng pulis. Parang ‘di naman tama. Kaya may warning muna tayo. Pero ‘yung mga nag-iinuman sa kalye nakabuhad, wala nang warning. Huli na ‘yan. Kasi maliwanag na maliwanag sa city ordinance,” Ligan explained.
Aside from the public drinking ban, PRO-6 is also enforcing a curfew for minors from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., as well as stricter noise regulations, including a ban on karaoke and videoke activities beyond 10 p.m.
To boost enforcement, police bicycle patrols will be deployed across communities to increase visibility and ensure compliance.
Ligan said repeat offenders will face harsher penalties.
He also urged the public to cooperate and avoid violations that could lead to fines and police records.
“Kahit multa lang ‘yan, meron pa rin kayong police record. Iwasan nyo na. Pangit din kasi maghubad-hubad at mainom-inom sa kalye. Mag inom kayo sa loob ng bahay nyo,” he emphasized.
In Iloilo City, Regulation Ordinance 2011-786 prohibits the drinking of alcoholic beverages along streets, sidewalks, alleys and open public places from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. This was enacted on Dec. 14, 2011.
Under this ordinance, it is also unlawful for any person “to loiter, wander or saunter in public places or within public view while carrying and drinking alcoholic beverage” from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Regulation Ordinance 2011-786 also listed the following penalties for violators:
* first offense – P500 fine or imprisonment of not more than 30 days or both fine and imprisonment upon the discretion of the court
* second offense – Pl,000 fine or imprisonment of not less than 60 days and not more than six months or both fine and imprisonment upon the discretion of the court
* third and succeeding offenses – P5,000 fine or imprisonment of not less than six months and one day but not more than one year or both fine and imprisonment upon the discretion of the court
If the violation is committed by a minor, appropriate action shall be made in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act 9344 (Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006)./PN
