PNP arrests 159 for violating election liquor ban

A total of 159 individuals were arrested nationwide for violating the liquor ban implemented for election 2025, as reported by the Philippine National Police (PNP) as of 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, May 11, 2025.

This includes twelve individuals apprehended in Ormoc City, Leyte, for allegedly defying the ban.

Nine people were caught drinking beer in Barangay Doña Feliza Z. Mejia, while three others were arrested in Barangay San Antonio for consuming liquor in a public area.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution No. 11057 prohibits the sale, giving, offering, or buying of liquor until the conclusion of Election Day, with penalties including imprisonment of up to six years for violators.

The arrests occurred as Comelec began its mandatory campaign silence period on Sunday, May 11, 2025, which also coincided with the nationwide implementation of the liquor ban.

A total of 201,438 personnel from different law enforcement agencies, including 163,621 from the police organization, were deployed for election duties.

The PNP has been on full alert since May 3 and has directed all Reactionary Standby Support Forces, Quick Reaction Forces, and regional units to be on standby for immediate response to any untoward incident.