Police Arrest 18 Individuals for Drinking Alcohol in Public During Undas Security Operation
18 individuals were apprehended by police after they were caught drinking alcohol along Tambunting Street in Sta. Cruz, Manila.
On Friday night, October 23, 2026, the authorities arrest eighteen individuals after they were caught drinking alcohol. The measure is a part of security preparations for Undas.
The individuals, who came from Barangays 373, 374, and 375, were brought to the Blumentritt Police Community Precinct for violating City Ordinance No. 555, which prohibits drinking alcohol in public places.
Among those apprehended was a 22-year-old food delivery rider who said he was still preparing drinks for his group when police officers arrived. He explained that they were surprised by the sudden operation but said the officers treated them properly before bringing them to the police station.
According to Police Lieutenant Colonel Jolly Soriano, station commander of the Sta. Cruz Police Station, the operation was part of Oplan Galugad launched by the Manila Police District (MPD) to help maintain peace and order during the Undas season.
“Pagkatapos natin doon sa loob ng public cemetery, lumabas naman tayo sa mga malalapit na barangay… at ito nga na naaktuhan din nating itong mga individuals na nagiinuman along the street,” Soriano said.
Before inspecting nearby streets and communities, authorities conducted checks inside Manila North Cemetery. Around 40 male cemetery caretakers were also examined and underwent record verification.
After completing the inspection inside the cemetery, officers moved to nearby barangays, where they found the 18 individuals drinking along the road.
At the police precinct, the individuals underwent documentation and background checks to determine whether they had any outstanding arrest warrants. Authorities found no firearms or sharp objects among their belongings.
After police confirmed that their records were clear, all 18 were allowed to go home. Officers also reminded them to cooperate with authorities in maintaining safety around cemeteries.
Meanwhile, the MPD reminded the public that gambling, drinking alcohol, and bringing firearms or sharp objects into cemeteries are strictly prohibited throughout the Undas period.
Additional police personnel will be deployed around public cemeteries from October 28 to November 2 to help ensure the safety of visitors and their families.
In a previous post, a holdup suspect who targeted tourism student arrested in Oplan Galugad operation
Soriano also encouraged the public to immediately report suspicious individuals or activities to authorities to help prevent possible incidents during the busy observance.
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