Liquor Ban Stays In Baguio, Benguet Towns

June 18, 2020 JUST IN

BAGUIO CITY (June 18, 2020) – Baguio City and Benguet town mayors have agreed to continue the liquor ban while their LGUs are under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin 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 middle of last week forged the agreement during the Baguio City Inter-agency Task Force meeting where the Benguet mayor attended.
Magalong who told Benguet mayors he will not lift the liquor ban while Baguio is under MGCQ justified the liquor ban as “a deterrent in the gatherings where COVID19 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 barangay, 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 among drunk 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 joining a drinking spree.
The incidents raised fears those involved may have already spread the virus to those they came in contact with.
Benguet mayors were unanimous that 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 are still forbidden to operate during community quarantine.
Mayors Salda, Palangdan, Lauro, Tindaan and Baldo swore before the Baguio City task force of their strict imposition of liquor ban while the MGCQ is in effect.***Artemio A. Dumlao***