• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A total of 14 suspects were arrested for violation of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban in Bacolod City, from January 12 to May 3 this year.
Among the violators, four were apprehended through police response, two others were arrested in pursuit operations, and another two incidental to their apprehensions.
The Bacolod City Police Office also confiscated 14 assorted firearms.
Violations of the gun ban during an election period, which are considered election offenses, carry penalties of one to six years imprisonment, disqualification from holding public office, and deprivation of the right to suffrage.
The Philippine National Police said that its imposition of the gun ban is aimed at ensuring peace and order as the government believes it could lessen gun-related violence during the May 12 national and local elections. | GB
