By Zaldy Comanda
BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Benjamin Magalong informed his municipal counterparts in Benguet that he will not lift the liquor ban in the city, despite it being under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).
The other municipal mayors in Benguet agreed with Magalong, and likewise continued to ban alcohol in their respective towns, which were also under MGCQ.
Agreeing with Magalong 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, and Frenzel Ayong of Mankayan, as well as Vice Mayor Arthur Baldo of Sablan.
Magalong asserted that recent drinking sessions in the city and nearby La Trinidad involving coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infected individuals should not be repeated.
He cited the case of a 25-year old man, who was arrested at a drinking spree in Poliwes, and later tested positive for the virus after being subjected to random testing administered at the Baguio City Jail.
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 mayors were also unanimous in observing that the liquor ban significantly reduced liquor-related violent incidents.
As such, 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 not allowed 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.