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DCPO records over 11,000 ordinance violations in February

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) has reported 11,000 violations in February as part of an intensified campaign to uphold local laws.

Acting city director Col Mannan Caracas Muarip said the DCPO ramped up visibility and patrol operations following numerous reports from concerned citizens regarding non-compliance in public areas and business establishments.

According to data released by the DCPO, traffic-related offenses and public order ordinances accounted for the majority of the citations issued from Feb. 1 to 28:

  • Traffic Code (CO 0334-12): 6,399 violations.
  • Curfew on Minors: 1,321 violations.
  • Half-Naked in Public Places: 1,518 violations.
  • Speed Limit Ordinance (CO 0270-23): 850 violations.
  • No Helmet/No Plate Policy: 520 violations.

The report also noted heightened enforcement against modified mufflers (bora-bora), with 31 citations and four TOPs issued, as well as 451 violations of the Anti-Smoking Ordinance.

Muarip emphasized that the crackdown is not merely about penalties but about reinforcing Davao’s identity as a “model of discipline.”

“These ordinances are not merely rules to be followed—they are safeguards designed to protect public health, preserve order, and sustain the high standard of discipline that Davao City is known for,” Muarip stated.

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VRU collects P17.5M in fines; anti-smoking, liquor ban enforcement intensifies

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE VICE Regulation Unit (VRU) collected more than P17 million in fines from anti-smoking and liquor ban violations in 2025, reflecting a significant surge in enforcement efforts across the city.

During the Davao Peace and Security Press Corps briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday, Feb. 25, VRU chief Jay Francia reported that the unit recorded 3,963 violators of the Anti-Smoking Ordinance from January to December 2025.

The total collection for the year reached P17,519,400, a 44% increase from the P12,116,000 collected in 2024.

“As we can see, there is a huge increase for 2025. This does not necessarily mean the number of violators is increasing, but rather that Davao City’s law enforcement efforts are improving and intensifying,” Francia explained.

While the VRU monitors the entire city, Francia noted that the majority of apprehensions occur within the city center. He observed that while some smokers have attempted to hide in corners or alleys, lighting up on public streets remains a clear violation.

On the city’s liquor ban, Francia said that most apprehensions involve downtown bar establishments that exceed the permitted hours for alcohol consumption.

“Selling and consumption must stop strictly by 1 a.m. Our unit monitors these establishments across the city, and we issue tickets to both the violators and the business owners,” Francia said.

He warned that repeat offenders face severe consequences.

Establishments caught violating the ordinance for a second or third time are recommended for business permit suspension through the Business Bureau.

“Many establishments have already been blocked from renewing their licenses due to these violations,” Francia added.

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News

Liquor ban 

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron
  • VRU flags 3 bars, issues citations to 74 customers

THE VICES Regulation Unit (VRU) issued citation tickets to 74 individuals during a series of early morning raids on three bars along Cabaguio Avenue and Monteverde Street on Sunday, Dec. 28.

VRU enforcers, led by team leader Jay Francia, targeted the establishments following reports of persistent violations of the city’s Liquor Code.

According to Francia, the operation at a bar on Cabaguio Avenue initially hit a setback at 2 a.m. when the management refused to open the doors. 

“The establishment was closed, and the glass door was covered with garbage bags, but we noticed plenty of customers drinking through a small opening,” Francia told TIMES.

The team temporarily left to inspect the next-door establishment, where they successfully caught management in the act of violating the liquor code. Eighteen individuals, including the bar’s representative, were issued citation tickets.

The VRU team then used a “decoy” tactic to gain entry into the second bar. After pretending to leave the area, enforcers spotted customers exiting through a side door. 

Francia immediately entered the building, finding a large crowd still drinking inside. While some managed to flee, 40 individuals were issued tickets.

“That club is noted for constantly violating the liquor ban. We planned to make them think we had already left. When they opened their secret side door, I was able to enter,” Francia said.

The operation concluded past 3 a.m., with a final inspection at a bar along Monteverde Street at 4:30 a.m., where another 16 citation tickets were issued.

“Two bars will be recommended to be flagged during the renewal of their permits,” he said. “They must first go to the VRU to correct (their records) or settle any penalty.”

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News

Liquor ban review

by Nova Mae Francas
written by Nova Mae Francas
  • CTOO open to amending prohibited period, but public safety paramount

THE CITY Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) will consider proposals to amend the liquor ban, but public safety will still be prioritized.

CTOO officer-in-charge Atty. Jonah Margarette Presto said on Wednesday, Aug. 27, that they are open to amendments if only to improve the enforcement of the liquor ban to benefit the majority. 

When asked if there are requests to adjust the liquor ban period, she said the Vices Regulation Unit is strict with its implementation.

“Compared to other cities, wala silay liquor ban, and longer any allowable time.  But I heed the stand of the current administration nga mas safe man gud ang kalsada kung walay nagainom during those hours,” Presto said.

“Kailangan balansehon kung unsa atong priority. Is it para longer ang panahon nga maka-enjoy ta or the safety?” she added.

The VRU revealed that bar owners proposed to extend the allowable time to sell liquor from 1 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Meanwhile, Public Safety and Security Office head Angel Sumagaysay said they support the proposal of Davao City Police Office Col. Mannan Muarip to add prison time to the liquor ban penalties. 

“But then again, it will still pass through the (City) Council if there are amendments. We have no problem with it, we are supportive,” Sumagaysay said.

He stressed that the city’s reputation as one of the safest must be maintained to attract more visitors and investors.

Muarip said 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.

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VRU collects P8.4-million from anti-smoking, liquor ban violators

by Nova Mae Francas
written by Nova Mae Francas

THE VICES Regulation Unit (VRU) recorded a significant increase in the collections from anti-smoking and liquor ban ordinances implementation for the first half of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024.

VRU head Jacy Jay Francia attributed the increase to the increased fees due to the amendments of the Anti-Smoking and Liquor Ban ordinance. 

From January to June 2025, total fines and fees collected reached P8,431,200, nearly double the P4,754,500 in 2024.

Most of the 2025 collection came from anti-smoking citation tickets, amounting to P7,164,700, a sharp increase from P3,286,500 the previous year. 

Fines from liquor ban violations also rose to P1,079,600 from P995,000 in 2024.

For the liquor ban ordinance, a few establishments have been apprehended due to operating beyond the allowable hours.

Francia said they keep track of the establishments with repeated violations and submit a report to the Business Bureau to be subject to business permit revocation.

Meanwhile, collections from the Sobriety Ordinance amounted to P112,400, which significantly decreased from P445,000 in 2024. 

Francia said the decrease in the sobriety violation collection could be attributed to fewer personnel in the VRU doing the inspection. At present, there are only 50 volunteer personnel in the unit. 

He added they plan to request additional personnel and to deputize personnel from the City Transport and Traffic Management Office to augment their force.

The designated smoking area permits also contributed to the increase, totaling P74,500. This comes from establishments that fail to follow the specific standards of a smoking zone, and have designated smoking zones but did not apply for a permit.

VRU is expecting an increase in collection in the upcoming Kadayawan Festival, with more visitors flocking to the city, as they might not be familiar with existing ordinances.

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Bar owners seek to extend the liquor ban until 2 a.m.

by Nova Mae Francas
written by Nova Mae Francas

THE VICES Regulation Unit revealed on Thursday that bar owners proposed to extend the allowable time to sell liquor from 1 a.m. to 2 a.m. 

VRU head Jacy Jay Francia said the motion was initiated during the assembly set by the VRU with the bar owners on July 30.

“During the dialogue, naa silay mulo nga gamay ra ang oras sa business for happy hour, which is only two hours,” Fracia said during the iSpeak Media Forum on Thursday.

Happy hours, according to the bar owners, start at 10 p.m. until 12 a.m., which is a short time since the last order of liquor is until 12 a.m. 

Francia said most of the bar owners requested to extend the allowable time to 2 a.m. to also cater to their clients and generate more income.

The city’s sobriety ordinance provides that buying liquor and drinking in public places is no longer allowed from 1 a.m. to 8 a.m.

“Suggest namo sa ilaha nga mag organize sila para magkaroon sila ng representation kung mayroon mang amendments,” he added.

Francia said the bar owners were also advised to seek the assistance of the City Tourism Office for their specific concerns, but the VRU has yet to receive the formal proposal. 

Pending the proposal, VRU will strictly implement  the sobriety and liquor ban ordinance, especially for the upcoming Kadayawan Festival, where visitors are expected to flock to the bars and nightclubs in the city

For January to June 2025, VRU collected P1,079,600 for liquor ban violators, P112,400 for the sobriety ban ordinance violators, and apprehended 567 individuals from 389 operations.

Photo by Bing Gonzales

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