WV cops nab 30 gun ban violators; PRO 6 deploys more cops for brgy, SK polls
As the nation moves halfway to Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Election 2007, the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO 6) collared 30 violators of Comelec Resolution No. 8298 or Gun Ban.
The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office delivered most of the arrests with 16 violators; Iloilo Police Provincial Office with 7 arrested persons; Capiz Police Provincial Office, Iloilo City Police Office and Bacolod City Police Office with 2 arrested persons each and the 6th Regional Mobile Group with 1 arrested person.
Of these arrests, 23 assorted caliber of firearms: 5 high powered firearms, 5 low powered firearms and 13 homemade, and 114 ammunitions were confiscated.
A total of 16 cases were filed in court while others are still pending for filing.
PRO6 Director Chief Supt. Wilfredo V. Dulay Sr. said the implementation of gun ban is being intensified in all units to ensure an honest, orderly and peaceful Barangay and SK elections.
"We cannot discount the possibility that other candidates would resort to intimidation of the public this election," Dulay said adding that gun ban is a pro-active measure to deter crimes and other illegal activities this election period.
"Others might choose this time to perpetrate their criminal activities to sabotage the electoral process," he explained.
Dulay also reiterated his pronouncement that violators of gun ban shall be charged with separate cases under Section 261 of Batas Pambansa Blg. 881 (Omnibus Election Code) and Section 1 of Republic Act 8294 or An Act Amending Presidential Decree 1866.
To recall, PRO 6 was commended by PNP National Headquarters last May 2007 Elections for having the highest recovery of firearms in connection with the Comelec Gun Ban.
From January 14 to June 13 midterm elections, PRO 6 netted 254 arrested persons, confiscated 278 assorted caliber of firearms and filed 209 cases in court.
Meanwhile, Dulay ordered the deployment of about 900 PNP personnel to augment the police stations to enhance security to polling centers. The PRO 6 also established a Regional Election Monitoring Action Center (REMAC) to oversee the security measures being implemented and monitor the political/situation updates this election. (RPIO PRO6)