312 persons arrested in Western Visayas
PRO6 chief: Campaign vs. loose firearms still on
By 11:59 p.m. yesterday, the implementation of Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution No. 8714, or better known as the total gun ban, officially ended with a total of 312 persons arrested in Western Visayas.
Records from the PNP Regional Operations and Plans Division (ROPD) VI revealed that majority of violators are civilians with 281.
Four members of the Armed Forces were also arrested; 11 government officials to include police personnel; and 15 others, who are mostly private security personnel.
Negros Occidental province topped the number of arrests with 99 persons.
Iloilo province followed with 60; Bacolod City, 52; Aklan province, 27, Capiz, Antique, and Iloilo City with 23 arrests each; and Guimaras with 5.
ROPD records also showed that there 248 firearms recovered – 72 low-powered and 176 low-powered.
Presently, ROPD chief Senior Supt. Ricardo dela Paz said that 211 cases were only filed in court while 50 are still being investigated.
Although, there were talks for a possible extension of gun ban, dela Paz said that PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa is bent on following the earlier schedule of ending the gun ban by June 9.
“So, by tomorrow (June 10), those who have permit to carry firearms outside of residence could bring their guns without getting caught,” he added.
Under Comelec Resolution 8714 issued last December 17, 2009, all persons are banned from carrying firearms and deadly weapons in public places including public buildings, streets, parks and private vehicles during the gun ban period, which runs from January 10, 2010 to June 9, 2010.
Only law enforcers in proper uniform are the ones authorized by law and the Commission on Elections.
In gun ban, only regular plantilla members of PNP/AFP and other law enforcers (who are receiving regular compensation for services rendered) are authorized to bear/carry/transport firearms or other deadly weapons, in prescribed uniform showing clearly and legibly his name/rank/serial number, in case rank and serial numbers are inapplicable, his agency identification card showing clearly his name and position (which ID card shall remain visible at all times), with valid mission/letter order and in actual performance of election/official duty or going to and returning from his residence or station.
Further, the Comelec resolution also covered air guns and air rifles.
Aside from regular firearms and deadly weapons, also covered by the ban are air guns and replications, as well as bladed instruments, hand grenades, and other explosives except for fireworks.
Meanwhile, Chief Superintendent Isagani Cuevas, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 6, said that, even without the gun ban, the PNP will continue to run after those who carry firearms without license and or permit to carry firearm outside of residence.
“We will sustain our campaign against illegal possession of firearms pursuant to P.D. 1866 as amended by RA 8294,” he said.
Cuevas also said that PRO-6 posted commendable results in the implementation of Comelec gun ban.
He said the intensified implementation of gun ban made the May 10 elections in Western Visayas relatively peaceful and orderly. (with reports from Francisco B Lindero, Jr.)
