BACOLOD CITY – Canlaon City, Negros Oriental Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas has lifted the liquor ban and restrictions on establishments’ operating hours over Kanlaon Volcano.
Cardenas issued and signed Executive Order (EO) No. 72 on September 20 as he noted that the current situation allows for a reassessment of these restrictions in order to support the recovery of businesses and the local economy while continuing to maintain public order and safety.
This development came about a week after the city government implemented a liquor ban and limited operational hours of establishments to 10 p.m. on September 12 as part of public health and safety measures over Kanlaon.
Cardenas permitted the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in public and private establishments provided that all businesses comply with existing health and safety regulations.
He also said in the EO that establishments in the city are now allowed to operate beyond 10 p.m., provided that they maintain compliance with all relevant health protocols and local ordinances.
Cardenas warned that any establishments found violating the EO, such as failure to observe health and safety protocols, may face appropriate penalties.
However, Cardenas reiterated that curfew for minors will continue to be implemented in the city, citing Resolution No. 44, Series of 2024, which prohibits them from roaming around the city between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m., except in cases where they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, attending an official school, religious, or community event, or have a valid reason or emergency.
Law enforcement agencies and barangay officials were directed to strictly implement the EO.
A preemptive evacuation was enforced on residents, particularly those residing within the four-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), two weeks ago.
Kanlaon remains under Alert Level 2 (increased unrest), according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).