Davao City Police Office (DCPO) acting City Director Col. Mannan Muarip during his courtesy call at the 21st City Council on Tuesday proposed stricter penalties, including imprisonment for Davao City liquor ban violators.
In his proposal, first-time violators would no longer fined but instead be imprisoned for six months to one year.
Muarip believes that this step will help reduce incidents where individuals who are intoxicated with alcoholic beverages are mostly involved.
He added that even if these violators are punished with only a fine, they will still commit the same offense.
“Kay ug bayaran ra, buhaton gihapon nila ug balik kay after bayad, wala raman gihapon mahitabo,” he said.
Muarip said his proposed stricter penalties also cover those individuals who urinate in public and appear in public without an upper garment.
He said his recommendations aim to reinforce discipline and uphold community standards.
Davao City enforces a liquor ban, prohibiting the sale, serving, and consumption of alcohol in public places between 1:00 AM and 8:00 AM. This includes streets, alleys, and outside of gates, with consumption only permitted inside private properties.
Violating the liquor ban ordinance can lead to fines and, for repeat offenses, imprisonment. Specifically, the penalties are: a P3,000 fine for the first offense, a P5,000 fine and three months imprisonment for the second offense, and a P5,000 fine and one year imprisonment for the third offense.
Last week, Vices Regulation Unit (VRU) Officer-in-Charge Jacy Jay Francia reported that the city has collected P8.4 million in fines from 1,880 anti-smoking apprehensions and 567 liquor ban violations as of June this year.
Meanwhile, Muarip also presented DCPO’s accomplishments covering the period of July 14 to August 17, highlighting key operational gains and community engagement efforts.
Muarip showcased the D.A.V.A.O. framework, emphasizing its role in driving strategic policing initiatives. He also noted that crime rates tend to spike during the third quarter of each year, prompting the need for proactive measures.
He also expressed his gratitude to the City Council for their continued support of law enforcement efforts.
“Together, we can build a safer, more disciplined Davao City. Let us remain united in our commitment to peace, order, and the protection of every Dabawenyo,” he said.
