23 gun ban violators arrested

At least 23 people were arrested in Eastern Visayas during the first 10 days since the gun ban was implemented for the upcoming barangay elections later this month, according to figures from the Police Regional Office. “All the 23 violators are civilians and they are now facing charges for firearms ban violation apart from additional criminal charges if they committed other offenses,” PRO-Eastern Visayas Director Elmer R. Soria said.

He added that police units in the region have confiscated a total of 13 firearms, four of which are high-powered, three low-powered, and six are homemade guns. “Apart from firearms, 14 assorted bladed weapons and 65 assorted ammunitions were also seized,” Soria said.

The arrests were made through the implementation of checkpoints in strategic places, implementation of search warrants and confiscation during arrests of wanted persons, police response and intelligence-driven operations. Since September 28, the 45-day firearms ban was implemented wherein until November 12, no person shall bear, carry or transport firearms or other deadly weapons in public places, even if licensed to possess or carry the same, unless authorized in writing by the Commission on Elections. “The intensified implementation of the gun ban will curb the possible outbreak of violence for the upcoming village elections on October 28,” Soria said.