Treñas urges more rigid gun ban drive
City Mayor Jerry Treñas is hoping the police could net violators of the Comelec imposed total gun ban especially that Iloilo City is going to celebrate its 2010 Dinagyang festival this weekend.
As to date, the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) has yet to arrest any violators unlike in other areas in the region where police have effected several arrests. The Police Regional Office-6 has already recorded 15 apprehensions since the total gun ban was implemented Jan.9.
The chief executive expressed his concern on the efficient implementation of gun ban not only in coming up with a peaceful and orderly election but with Dinagyang festival where local and foreign tourists visit the city to enjoy the sights and sounds of frenetic dance and thunders of drum this weekend.
Treñas said the responsibility on how the police could effectively implement the total gun ban is up to the Comelec. The Comelec is an independent body in this election period.
Election period started Jan. 10 or 120 days before the actual date of the election and 30 days after the election.
The mayor added that the police have to observe the “plain view principle” in the conduct of checkpoints meant to have a peaceful election.
The Comelec reiterated that police conducting the road checkpoints should observe the plain view principle. The checkpoints should be manned by police officers in proper uniform and located in well-lit areas. The barangay tanods and traffic aides are not deputized in the conduct of checkpoints.
