- DCPO chief wants more teeth on liquor ban violators
DAVAO City Police Office chief Pcol. Mannan Muarip pushed to add imprisonment as a penalty for liquor ban violations to deter non-compliance.
Muarip paid a visit to the 21st City Council on Tuesday, Aug. 19, to report on the accomplishments of the DCPO after assuming office on July 16 until the present.
The move to amend the liquor ban was motivated by the data, which revealed that 34 liquor-related violent cases were recorded from January to August this year, equivalent to the total liquor-related incidents for the entire 2024.
Muarip hoped that imprisonment would put fear into the hearts of violators.
“Kasi kung fine lang, sa una siguro sumusunod sila sa fine. But along the way, hindi na sila magbabayad kasi alam nilang wala namang mangyayari,” Muarip said.
“Without the imprisonment penalty, kahit ano ang gagawin ng kapulisan, ang mga tao hindi magtatanda,” he added.
According to police data, liquor-related crimes occur mostly inside residences (17), on the street (10 incidents), and in business establishments (7). Most cases involved mauling/punching (14), stabbing (9), hacking (5), hitting with a hard object (3), and shooting (3).
Meanwhile, for January to August this year, most of the incidents occurred inside private homes (20), on the street (12), and in business establishments (2). Stabbing and hacking comprised 20 incidents, mauling and punching with seven incidents, and two incidents each of shooting and hitting with a hard object.
Asked about the proposed duration of imprisonment, he proposed a minimum of six months for first-time offenders. Once caught, the offender will be brought to the police station for an inquest.
Muarip added that he will also push for imprisonment for urination in public places and for being half-naked in public areas. The police chief is set to meet with Councilor Luna Acosta, the committee chair on peace and public safety, to discuss his recommendations.
