By Jennifer P. Rendon
Five civilians were arrested in Western Visayas since the election gun ban began on January 12.
Records from the Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 revealed that none of the violators were apprehended at checkpoints.
The first arrest involved a man identified as alias Ryan, who was caught with three firearms after a vehicular incident in Barangay Seminario, Jaro, Iloilo City.
The second violator, a 46-year-old construction worker, was arrested around 5:20 p.m. on January 12 in Barangay Sublangon, Pontevedra, Capiz. He was caught selling a caliber 5.56 revolver for PHP 4,500.
Later that night, before midnight, Bacolod City police apprehended a 24-year-old man in possession of a 12-gauge shotgun during a visibility patrol in Barangay 28, Bacolod City.
The fourth arrest occurred during a drug buy-bust operation in Escalante City, Negros Occidental. The suspect was also found with a firearm during the operation.
The final arrest happened on January 15 in Barangay Taculing, Bacolod City, where police nabbed a robbery suspect carrying a firearm during a hot pursuit operation.
The gun ban, which took effect on January 12, marks the start of the election season for the 2025 midterm elections.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) reminded the public that carrying firearms without an exemption certificate from the poll body constitutes an election offense.
The gun ban will remain in effect until June 11, 2025.
The Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 stated that it will continue conducting checkpoint operations across the region during the election period.
