Bacolod City: A total of 21 gun ban violators have so far been arrested in Western Visayas since the start of the election period on Jan. 12, police records showed Tuesday. The latest to be arrested was a 54-year-old male who was carrying a gun replica while passing through a checkpoint in Barangay Mansilingan-Murcia Road in Bacolod City late Monday night, according to the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6).
According to Philippines News Agency, during this election period, there is a gun ban in effect, and carrying firearms without a certificate of authority from the Committee on the Ban on Firearms and Security Concern is a violation. PRO-6 spokesperson Lt. Col. Arnel Solis emphasized that gun replicas are included in the enforcement of the gun ban.
The highest number of apprehensions was logged by the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (PPO) with six arrests, followed by Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) with five. Capiz PPO recorded four, Iloilo City PO has three, and Aklan PPO, Iloilo PPO, and the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 6 have arrested one violator each.
PRO-6 Director Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky commended unit commanders for their strict implementation of the election gun ban. He instructed commanders to continue the implementation of Comelec checkpoints in their respective areas to intercept and arrest those transporting and carrying firearms and deadly weapons without the corresponding authority. Wanky also urged adherence to Police Operational Procedure and related policies, emphasizing respect for human rights during operations.
