A police officer from the Baler Municipal Police Station (MPS) assisted an intoxicated tricycle driver in getting home safely in Sitio Tabon, Barangay Buhangin, Baler, Aurora on 2 January 2026, authorities said.

According to the Baler MPS, Police Staff Sergeant Alvin I. De Guzman and Police Chief Master Sergeant Geoffrey A. Bolante were initially responding to an accident victim at Premiere General Hospital in Barangay Suklayin.

After leaving the hospital, Bolante noticed a tricycle moving slowly while occupying the middle of the road from the opposite direction. To prevent a possible accident, the officers followed the vehicle using their patrol car.

The officers flagged down the tricycle driver and determined that he was intoxicated. Instead of issuing a traffic citation, Bolante alighted from the patrol car and took over driving the tricycle, safely escorting the driver to his residence in Sitio Tabon.

Authorities reminded the public that driving under the influence is punishable under Republic Act No. 10586, or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013. Penalties for simple DUI include fines ranging from P20,000 to P80,000 and imprisonment of up to three months.

More severe penalties apply if DUI results in physical injuries or homicide, including fines of up to P500,000 and imprisonment under the Revised Penal Code. Offenders may also face driver’s license suspension or revocation, with repeat offenders potentially subject to perpetual disqualification from driving.