Comelec Gun Ban: 170 violators nabbed in Central Visayas

FILE PHOTO: The Police Regional Office in Central Visayas, together with the Commission on Elections, established a checkpoint in Cebu City to ensure the public’s adherence to the gun ban for the upcoming midterm elections. | PRO-7 FB Photo

CEBU CITY, Philippines – More than a month since the implementation of the nationwide Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban, authorities in Central Visayas have sent a total of 170 violators to jail.

The violators were apprehended in different police operations conducted from January 12, the first day of implementation of the gun ban, until February 18.

Of the 170 arrested individuals, 96 were nabbed during operations that required police assistance, 45 were collared in buy-bust operations while 23 others were nabbed in other police operations. A total of six gun ban violators were nabbed in Comelec checkpoints.

READ:  35 nabbed for violating Comelec gun ban in Central Visayas

Election gun ban

In a report, the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7) said that they confiscated a total of 527 loose firearms during the same period.

Moreover, PRO-7 has so far conducted a total of 15,528 Comelec checkpoints here.

READ: Election gun ban: 24 firearms seized in Cebu City

Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan, the PRO-7 director, said in a statement that their efforts against loose firearms will help prevent the commission of crimes during the election season.

The campaign period for national candidates started on February 11 while the campaign for local candidates starts on March 28.

READ: 6 nabbed in Talisay City for violating Comelec gun ban

“Our preparations are designed to prevent any disruption and to ensure that the elections are carried out in a peaceful, orderly, and secure manner. The 24-hour checkpoints, along with our other security measures, will help us monitor and prevent any illicit activities that could threaten the safety of our citizens or compromise the elections,” Maranan said.

No election-related crimes

As of this writing, PRO-7 said that they have not received any report of election-related crimes in Central Visayas.

READ: Comelec-7 warns electoral aspirants on using gov’t vehicles

In spite of this, Maranan said that their surveillance and intelligence operations will still be heightened to preempt any possible security threats.

Maranan said that in case of emergencies, specialized units will be deployed for a speedy response.

However, the PRO-7 director said that they also need the support of the community.

Maranan said that the outcome of their campaign for a safe and peaceful elections in the region will depend on the collective efforts of government agencies, law enforcement units, and members of the community.

The police director urged the public to always exercise vigilance, respect the laws, and to vote in a responsible manner in the May 12 midterm elections.