Eleazar says liquor ban violations not yet rampant

Despite reports about individuals disobeying the liquor ban, Joint Task Force COVID Shield commander Police Lieutenant General Guillermo Eleazar on Thursday said this violation is not rampant across the country.

Interviewed on Dobol B sa News TV, Eleazar, who is also the PNP Deputy Chief for Operations, admitted that some citizens have found ways to transport alcoholic beverages despite the enhanced community quarantine.

"Ang ginawa ng mga kababayan natin, nag-e-enterprising, nilalagay sa kabaong, sa box tapos binabalutan pa ng ibang box at marami tayong pagkakataon na nagkaroon ng operation," Eleazar said.

"Even though, well na-highlight kasi sila pero in essence eh ito naman ay di natin masasabi na rampant pero 'pag talagang may nahuhuli, talagang napapaulat siya," he added.

"'Yung iba talaga ay nag-e-eksperimento dahil may kita sila doon. Alam ninyo kasi 'pag bawal, iba ang presyo niyan..." Eleazar said.

The latest incident of alleged violation of the liquor ban was when it was hidden inside a coffin in Binmaley, Pangasinan. Earlier reports said the driver tried to avoid a control point in the area.

Meanwhile, in Sal-Lapadan, Abra, violators tried to transport alcoholic drinks using an ambulance.

According to Eleazar, police are checking the source of these alcoholic drinks, especially that liquor ban is being implemented in most localities across the country.

"Ito 'yung pagtugon para maiwasan 'yung pagkumpol-kumpol ng ating mga kababayan," Eleazar said.

"Malinaw ang direktiba ng ating SILG Ed Año at pati na rin ang ating chief PNP Police General Archie Gamboa na talagang ipatupad ang lahat ng mga guidelines na inilalabas ng inter-agency task force at itong liquor ban ang isa sa ating iniimplement..." he added. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News