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