LEGAZPI CITY –– Authorities arrested 1,843 persons in the Bicol region for violating the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) imposed over Luzon to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Police Major Maria Luisa Calubaquib, spokesperson of the Bicol police, said from March 17 to April 22, at least 996 were arrested in Catanduanes, 283 in Camarines Sur, 217 in Sorsogon, 164 in Albay, 126 in Masbate, and 57 in Camarines Norte for disobedience and violation of the curfew.
Of those arrested, at least 138 were caught violating the ECQ liquor ban.
She said around 60 cases were already filed in court, while 735 were scheduled for regular filing.
Meanwhile, at least 3,999 persons were warned and advised to go home while 315 violators were fined.
Thirteen persons were apprehended for hoarding, profiteering, and overpricing of medical supplies and essential goods.
Drugs, gambling
Police Brig. Gen. Anthony Alcañeses, Bicol police chief, said on Thursday that for the period March 17 to April 21, in the campaign against illegal drugs, police arrested 44 alleged illegal drug personalities and seized 117 grams of suspected “shabu” (crystal meth) worth P618,311 during 31 drug stings.
In the intensified campaign against illegal gambling, police arrested 164 violators during 41 operations.
Police also confiscated a total of P17,717 cash in bet money.