Two men were killed while one was in critical condition after drinking their DIY alcohol mix made out of different ingredients, including paint thinner in Manila.
The victims were identified as Rainer Mariano, alias Rene, 52, and Quirino Lagrimas, alias Boboy, both of whom lived at Block 9 Baseco Compound, Port Area, of the city. The third victim, Dande Corucoto, 40, was rushed to the Philippine General Hospital and is in critical condition.
According to an initial report by the Manila Police District (MPD), due to a liquor ban imposed during the lockdown, the three Baseco Compound neighbors thought of making their own drinks from mixed coffee, vinegar, and soft drinks. They had been drinking it for several days and were not satisfied, so they added paint thinner to the DIY alcohol mix on Sunday night.
It was 10 am Monday when relatives saw the lifeless body of Mariano. The other victim, Lagrimas, lost his sight and was on his way to the hospital when he lost consciousness on the road and eventually died.
Denatured alcohol, commonly used as paint thinner, is ethyl alcohol that is unfit for human consumption due to added chemicals that make it poisonous. Drinking it can lead to system and organ damage and death, reports showed.
The Manila government imposed a temporary liquor ban on March 30 amid the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine due to the COVID-19 threat.
According to the Manila Public Information Office, Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” signed the executive order that prohibits the selling and distribution of any alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine.
Also read: 1 dead, 1 injured in drinking session amid ECQ in Caloocan
Driver of Antique mayor, barangay captain arrested for violating liquor ban
Authorities arrested five individuals, including the driver of Culasi Mayor and a barangay captain in Antique, for violating the liquor ban due to the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine.
Culasi police chief Capt. Bryan Alamo said in an interview Monday that they caught Frenz Roy Lomugdang, who was celebrating his 29th birthday, Barangay Jalandoni chairman Julius Lester Tamba; and other guests Rafael Cabangon, Avelino Bermudez, and Lloyd Eric Salazar.
The suspects were caught at 5 pm on April 12 and were also released at 5 am. Monday after the reglementary period expired.