AFP chief warns troops: No drinking in public places

MANILA, Philippines — Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff General Benjamin Madrigal Jr. on Thursday warned soldiers against drinking in public places, after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered all uniformed personnel to avoid public drinking.

Madrigal said the AFP has a long standing policy against members of the military who drink in public places.

“Matagal na policy na iyan, and we are prohibiting our personnel [sa pag-inom] sa public places,” Madrigal said in a joint press conference with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Commission on Elections in Camp Crame.

(It has been a policy since before, and we are prohibiting our personnel from drinking in public places.)

He said the AFP has intensified efforts to ensure that the order of the President will be enforced. He also warned violators that they will face sanctions from the AFP under the military justice system.

“‘[Yung sanctions], depende kung ano ang kanyang maging violation. Naka-[lagay] naman iyan sa ating military justice system,” Madrigal said.

(The sanctions depend on his violation. It is included in our military justice system.)

Meanwhile, PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde also reminded the police officers to avoid drinking in any public places, especially if they are in uniform.

He said violators may face dismissal from the police service.

The President in explaining his warning, said drunk law enforcers often get into trouble.

READ: Duterte prohibits cops from drinking in public places

Punishment may also be imposed on police officers who will be found visiting “establishments of ill-repute, illegal gambling dens, and other places devoted to vices,” Albayalde said.  /muf

READ: After Duterte’s directive, Albayalde reminds cops to stay out of bars