Article by:
Nanette Guadalquiver
BACOLOD CITY – At least 51 residents of Negros Occidental and this capital city have been arrested for violation of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban since the enforcement started on January 9.
Data released by the Police Regional Office-Western Visayas (PRO-6) on Thursday showed 42 were apprehended in Negros Occidental, the highest in the region, and nine in this city, out of the 99 individuals arrested as of March 8.
Brig. Gen. Flynn Dongbo, director of PRO-6, said the Philippine National Police (PNP) will continue to intensify operations in the Comelec checkpoints in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard.
“It is our objective that the May 9 national and local elections is secure, fair, peaceful and orderly. We cannot do it alone, we also need the cooperation, support and commitment of everyone to achieve this,” he said in a statement.
Police records also showed gun ban arrests in Iloilo Province totaled 17; Aklan – 11; Iloilo City – 10; Capiz – 5; Antique – 3; and Guimaras - 2.
From January 9 to March 8, some 58 assorted firearms were seized, including 23 in Negros Occidental; 13 in Iloilo Province; Bacolod City – seven; Aklan, Antique, and Capiz with four each; Guimaras – two; and Iloilo City – one.
A total of 47 bladed weapons were also confiscated during the period.
The gun ban, which takes effect until June 8, is based on Comelec Resolution 10728, with the PNP suspending the validity of all permits to carry firearms outside of residence (PTCFOR) issued to licensed firearm holders, juridical entities, and members of government law enforcement agencies during the period.
All gun-carrying privileges under PTCFOR issued by the PNP are suspended for the entire duration of the election period.
Suspended as well as are permits issued by the PNP to transport firearms, ammunition, explosives, public firearms display, and exhibits, as well as employment of security personnel for VIPs. (PNA)
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