Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 29) – Authorities caught over 200 violators of the recently implemented 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. curfew in Negros Oriental after it was placed under Commission on Election control, its provincial police office (PPO) said Sunday.
Comelec took control of the province in September to secure the area during the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) following fears of election and political violence. One notable incident was the killing of Gov. Roel Degamo on March 4.
READ: Comelec places Negros Oriental under its control for BSKE
Among those caught breaking curfew were minors.
PPO spokesperson PLt. Stephen Jeynard Polinar said police would coordinate with the Department of Social Welfare and Development for the release of the underaged violators.
However, employees working night shifts and foreign tourists are exempt from the curfew, police said.
Polinar said some residents were also caught violating the liquor ban implemented a day before the BSKE.
“Kahit may liquor ban sa paghahanda sa Barangay at Sangguniang Kabataan Elections, may naabutang nag-iinuman ang mga pulis sa isang tindahan. Sinita ang mga ito at pinauwi,” he added.
[Translation: Despite the liquor ban in preparation for the BSKE, some people were caught drinking in a store. They were confronted and told to return to their homes.]
