By Glazyl M. Jopson
BACOLOD CITY – The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) has urged the public to cooperate and remain responsible as a region-wide liquor ban takes effect from May 11 to 12 in connection with the midterm elections.
The enforcement is in line with Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution No. 11057, which prohibits the sale, purchase, and consumption of alcoholic beverages in public places during the period to help ensure peaceful and orderly polls.
Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR regional director, emphasized that full compliance is expected from the public and business establishments.
“The liquor ban is a critical component of our security preparations for the national and local elections 2025,” he said in a statement.
The police regional office, in coordination with local government units and the Comelec, will deploy monitoring teams and conduct inspections to ensure compliance.
Violators may face penalties under existing election laws, including imprisonment and fines.
The police have called on residents, tourists, and business owners to stay informed and report violations or suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health–Negros Island Region (DOH-NIR) has been placed on white alert from May 9 to 15 in preparation for the elections due to the expected increase in movement and the heightened risk of medical emergencies.
In a regional memorandum order, public and private hospitals were instructed to ensure 24/7 availability of emergency room staff, ambulance teams, and essential medical services.
Facilities must also have sufficient resources to manage cases related to trauma, heat-related illnesses, and large gatherings, and to preposition supplies such as IV fluids, oral rehydration salts, first-aid kits, and blood units.
Hospitals are also required to maintain an active Hospital Incident Command System and report all major incidents within one hour.
They must provide a fast lane in emergency departments for patients with event-related injuries.
Rural health units and local health facilities were instructed to deploy on-call medical teams during religious events and public gatherings.
They must offer first-aid and health advisory stations in key areas such as procession routes, beaches, and tourist zones.
Health workers are also expected to manage common conditions like dehydration, heat exhaustion, hyperventilation, minor injuries, and hypertension.
