• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The implementation of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban in Negros Occidental led to the arrest of 13 violators, with 13 firearms and 22 ammunition recovered by the police as of Feb. 16.
In a report, the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) said that 12 more suspects were arrested in the implementation of search warrants for illegal possession of firearms, yielding 14 firearms.
“These proactive measures and police initiated strategy aims to address the proliferation of loose firearms, which are often used in criminal activities and may contribute to election-related incidents,” NOCPPO director PCol. Rainerio de Chavez said in a statement.
De Chavez said he is optimistic of surpassing their targets through a more vigorous crackdown on criminality while enforcing the gun ban and targeting additional loose firearms.
The gun ban period, which started Jan. 12, will end June 10 this year.
According to the Comelec, gun ban violation is an election offense punishable with one to six years imprisonment that shall not be subject to probation, disqualification to hold public office and the depravation of one’s right to suffrage. | GB
