38 gun ban violators arrested in Bicol
THIRTY-EIGHT gun ban violators in Bicol were arrested by agents of the Police Regional Office 5 since last January 12 as they continued their massive anti-criminality operations in the region ahead of the May 12 National and Local Elections, the Journal Group learned yesterday.
PRO5 director Brig. Gen. Andre P. Dizon said the arrests were made during 36 law enforcements in Bicol conducted by the local police from January 12 to March 23 this year.
Confiscated from the possession of the offenders were 39 assorted firearms and 219 rounds of various live ammunition.
Dizon said that since the nationwide prohibition on the unauthorized carrying of firearms and other deadly weapons started last January 12, a total of 128 local residents have also voluntarily surrendered illegal guns in their possession.
Local residents who have expired License to Own and Possess Firearms and Certificate of Registration have also surrendered a total of 313 firearms to the local police for safekeeping until they have renewed their permits from the Philippine National Police Firearms and Explosives Office.
Dizon said that since the start of the gun ban, they have already put up a total of 13,859 Comelec-supervised checkpoints region-wide.
“These checkpoints serve as a crucial measure in preventing unauthorized firearm possession and reducing the risk of election-related violence,” said the official.
“The gun ban is in place to protect the integrity of the electoral process and ensure the safety of the public. We urge everyone to comply with the law, as any violation will result in immediate legal consequences,” the official added.
He also called on the public to report any suspected violations, emphasizing that strict enforcement of the gun ban is essential for a peaceful and orderly election.
