JOLO, Sulu — Nearly 40 cases of various alcoholic beverages seized during enforcement operations in Jolo were disposed of by the Jolo Municipal Police Station as authorities intensified the campaign against the open and unauthorized sale of liquor, particularly to minors.
The disposal was led by PLtCol Kris Conrad Gutierrez, caretaker of the Jolo Municipal Police Station, in compliance with the municipal ordinance of the Jolo Municipal Government prohibiting the open sale of alcoholic beverages, especially to individuals below the legal age.
Gutierrez said the disposal was part of the police station’s continuing enforcement of the local ordinance and the directive issued by Sulu Governor Abdusakur A. Tan II to strengthen operations against the illegal selling of alcoholic beverages across the municipality.
According to Gutierrez, police operations uncovered several establishments that were engaged in the unauthorized sale of liquor. Some of the violators were sari-sari stores that allegedly sold alcoholic beverages discreetly, while others had liquor products openly displayed for sale.
The police official stressed that the operations would continue as authorities seek to ensure compliance with local regulations and prevent alcoholic beverages from reaching minors.
The campaign carries particular significance in Sulu, a predominantly Muslim province where the consumption and sale of alcoholic beverages are subject to strict local regulations and community norms.
Provincial authorities have called on law enforcement agencies to sustain their efforts against illegal alcohol sales while urging residents to cooperate with the campaign. Parents and other community members were likewise encouraged to help authorities prevent minors from gaining access to alcoholic beverages.
Officials emphasized that the campaign is not solely a police matter but requires the participation of families, business owners, barangay officials and the wider community.
Authorities also warned business owners, particularly operators of small retail stores, against using their establishments to secretly sell prohibited alcoholic products. The police said that establishments found violating the ordinance may face appropriate enforcement action under existing local regulations.
The disposal was witnessed by representatives of the Jolo Municipal Government, led by Municipal Administrator Ezzeddin Suod Tan, as well as barangay representatives and members of the media.
The presence of local government and community representatives during the disposal underscored the coordinated approach being taken by authorities in implementing the municipal ordinance.
Police authorities said the enforcement campaign will continue, with operations expected to focus on establishments suspected of selling alcohol in violation of local regulations and those allowing minors to obtain alcoholic beverages.
For the Jolo police and local government, the campaign is aimed not only at confiscating and disposing of prohibited products but also at strengthening community compliance and reinforcing the message that violations of local regulations will not be tolerated.