BAGUIO CITY – “Still, no ‘ESQ’ and other spirits while adjoining local government units (LGUs) are in MGCQ.”
The mayors of Baguio City and Benguet Municipalities agreed to continue the ban on spirits while their LGUs are under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).
The agreement was forged during the June 15 Baguio City Inter-Agency Task Force meeting at Baguio City Hall.
Joining host Baguio City Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong in the meeting were Mayors Romeo Salda of La Trinidad; Victorio Palangdan of Itogon; Clarita Sal-ongan of Tuba; Ruben Tinda-an of Buguias; Armando Lauro of Tublay; Thomas Wales Jr. of Bokod; Frenzel Ayong of Mankayan; and, Vice Mayor Arthur Baldo of Sablan.
Magalong informed his municipal counterparts he will not lift the liquor ban while Baguio is under MGCQ.
This, he justified, serves as a deterrent in the conduct of gatherings where the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be transmitted.
He asserted, recent drinking sessions in the city and nearby La Trinidad involving COVID-19 infected individuals should not be repeated.
In Baguio, a 25-year old man who was arrested after a drinking spree in Poliwes later tested positive for the virus after being subjected to random testing administered at the Baguio City Jail.
The man was arrested after he allegedly manhandled his father who was pacifying a commotion involving intoxicated individuals. He then assaulted a responding police officer.
In La Trinidad, a 22-year old vegetable truck helper from Botiwtiw, Balili Barangay and his 44-year old driver from Poblacion, Tuba tested positive for COVID-19 after participating in a drinking session.
The incidents raised fears those involved may have already spread the virus to those they came in contact.
Meanwhile, the mayors were unanimous, the ban significantly reduced liquor-related violent incidents.
They committed to task their respective police chiefs, barangay officials and volunteers to strictly monitor different establishments violating the ban.
Bars and entertainment spots serving liquor are among the businesses still forbidden to operate during community quarantine.
For their part, Salda, Palangdan, Lauro, Tindaan and Baldo informed the task force of the strict imposition of liquor ban in their respective LGUs while the MGCQ is in effect.**Dexter A. See
