Tagbilaran steps up crackdown on liquor, vape, cigarette sales to minors
The Tagbilaran city government has intensified inspections of establishments near schools to ensure strict compliance of laws protecting minors from liquor, cigarettes, and other vices.
This move comes after a violent interaction involving 11 students from Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School (DCPNHS) and four out-of-school youth—all minors.
The coordinated inspection, which began on August 6, 2025, is being carried out by the Business Permit and Licensing Office, City Administrator’s Office, City Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office, City Treasurer’s Office, City Engineer’s Office, Tagbilaran City Primary Care Facility, Tagbilaran City Police Station and
Bureau of Fire Protection.
Teams are scrutinizing business permits, operational compliance, and adherence to youth protection laws such as Section 156 of City Ordinance No. C-201, or the Revised Code of Administrative Ordinances of the City of Tagbilaran which prohibits the sale of liquor or intoxicating drinks to persons below 18 years old and City Ordinance C-201 which bans the use, sale, distribution, and advertisement of cigarettes and other tobacco products to minors.
In its latest operation, the team inspected 95 establishments near 17 schools and found 42 stores without valid business or liquor permits and 21 stores openly displaying liquor and cigarettes in violation of local ordinances.
There were also instances of cigarettes being sold by the stick which is illegal.
Furthermore, many establishments lack the required warning signs prohibiting the sale of liquor, vape, and cigarettes to minors.
Violators were immediately issued Notices of Violation, posted with IEC tarpaulins, and ordered to remove displays of prohibited products.
The City Government has also coordinated with the local police and barangay tanods for continuous monitoring.
Mayor Jane Yap, who personally ordered the intensified monitoring, underscored the city’s firm stance on protecting young residents.
“We will not tolerate any act that endangers our children or promotes unhealthy behavior. These inspections are not just about enforcing regulations—they are about safeguarding the future of our city,” she said.
The inspections will continue in the coming weeks, with the city warning that violators will face penalties, suspension, or revocation of business permits.
Authorities are also encouraging residents to report any illegal sale of liquor, cigarettes, or other prohibited products to minors.
Crackdown near schools!Members of the Joint Inspection Team recently posted warning posters in front of stores near schools in Tagbilaran City as part of their intensified inspections from August 6 to 8, 2025. A total of 95 establishments around 17 schools were covered in the operation, which aims to curb the illegal sale of liquor, vape, and cigarettes to minors. This effort is part of the city’s ongoing campaign to protect its youth from the harms of substance abuse. Contributed photo
Tagbilaran City police boost operations with new motorcycles, advanced comm gear
The city’s campaign to strengthen public safety received a major boost as First Consolidated Bank (FCB) has turned over three brand-new Honda CR150 motorcycles and 15 units of Push-to-Talk Over Cellular (POC) communications equipment to the Tagbilaran City Police.
The donation was turned over by FCB Chairperson Claire Uy and received by City Mayor Jane Yap, First District Congressman John Geesnell “Baba” Yap, and Tagbilaran City Chief of Police Lt. Col. John Kareen Escober during a formal ceremony on August 8, 2025 held at the city hall atrium.
The new motorcycles and advanced communication gear are expected to enhance the mobility, coordination, and rapid response capability of the police force, allowing them to better safeguard the city’s growing communities.
Mayor Jane Yap expressed deep gratitude to FCB, highlighting the donation as a testament to the city’s strong public-private partnerships.
“Our police officers are the frontliners in maintaining peace and order. These motorcycles and modern communication tools will allow them to respond faster and serve our people more effectively. We thank FCB for their steadfast support, which reflects how public and private sectors can work hand-in-hand to keep Tagbilaran safe,” she said.
Lt. Col. Escober welcomed the added resources, stressing that improved mobility and clearer communication channels will strengthen the city’s overall law enforcement capabilities.
The partnership between the City Government of Tagbilaran and FCB underscores the shared commitment of both sectors to maintaining peace and security in the city, ensuring residents can thrive in a safe and orderly environment.
Boosting police power! Big shoutout to First Consolidated Bank for equipping the Tagbilaran City Police with brand-new gear! In a ceremony attended by 1st District Congressman John Geesnell “Baba” Yap (3rd from left), FCB Chairperson Claire Uy (standing behind the boy) assisted by Mr. Argeo Melisimo (2nd from left) and City Mayor Jane Yap (extreme right), the PNP received 3 sleek Honda CR150 motorcycles and 15 Push-to-Talk Over Cellular units to amp up their mobility and communication capabilities. Contributed photo