ILOILO CITY — Despite the temporary liquor ban, a cop detailed at the regional headquarters of the Philippine National Police (PNP), and his companion were arrested for illegally transporting a popular alcoholic beverage in Sta. Barbara town, Iloilo province.
Authorities identified the cop as Police Staff Sergeant Paul Pingoy, assigned to the Regional Intelligence Division of Police Regional Office (PRO-6).
The 39-year-old cop and 30-year-old Adolfo Patiam Jr. were caught late night of Friday 8 at a border checkpoint manned by personnel of Sta. Barbara PNP and the SWAT of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO).
The duo drove from Iloilo City and was on their way back to Sta. Barbara town when their vehicle was flagged down to be checked.
The 30 boxes of a popular brand of rum was clearly visible.
Not only were the boxes of liquor confiscated, but also Pingoy’s service firearm.
Both the local governments of Iloilo province and Iloilo City have implemented temporary liquor ban as part of the guideline on enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
The PRO-6 has condemned Pingoy’s act.
“The PNP does not tolerate wrongdoings among our personnel.
Appropriate criminal and administrative charges shall be filed,” said Police Lieutenant Colonel Gilbert Gorero, acting PRO-6 spokesperson.
This is the latest in a series of arrest made in Panay Island for illegally transporting liquor this week.
Last May 7, an employee of the local government of Sibalom town, Antique province was also arrested for transporting nine boxes of rum using the municipal government’s ambulance. (Tara Yap)