159 persons arrested amid election liquor ban

A total of 159 individuals were arrested for violating the liquor ban being implemented for election 2025, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Monday.

PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo told reporters that the record was as of 11:59 p.m. on Sunday. 

According to the PNP official, a total of 201,438 personnel from different law enforcement agencies were deployed, including 163,621 from the police organization. 

The nationwide liquor ban started on Sunday and will continue on Monday, Election Day.

The PNP has been on full alert since May 3.

With the full alert status, all Reactionary Standby Support Forces (RSSF), Quick Reaction Forces (QRF), and regional units were directed to be on standby and immediately respond to any untoward incident that may arise.

The PNP also said police presence will be heightened in polling centers and other critical areas.

It added that the PNP remains committed "to uphold the rule of law, support the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and safeguard the right of all Filipinos to vote freely and safely.

The PNP called on the public to remain vigilant, report any suspicious activity, and cooperate with law enforcement forces deployed. —VAL, GMA Integrated News

For more Eleksyon 2025 related content and updates, visit GMA News Online's Eleksyon 2025 microsite or follow our live updates.