ILOILO CITY — A day before the election period ends, a total of 91 gun ban violators were arrested in Western Visayas as of 12 midnight of May 20.
In an interview Monday, Superintendent Joem Malong, Spokesperson of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6), said the arrest led to the seizure of 248 firearms, 33 bladed weapons, and 12 explosives.
Based on the data of PRO-6, most of these violators were nabbed in Negros Occidental with 29; Bacolod City, 18; Iloilo province, 14;;Antique, nine; provinces of Aklan and Capiz with eight each; Iloilo City, four; and only one violator in the island province of Guimaras.
For confiscated firearms, Capiz has the most number with 96; Iloilo province, 51; Negros Occidental, 39; Antique, 27; Bacolod City, 15; Guimaras, 10; Aklan, nine; and only one in Iloilo City.
Malong said these violators are facing charges for violation of the Omnibus Election Code in relation to Republic Act (RA) 10591.
RA 10591 is also known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
Since the implementation of gun ban started last April 14, massive checkpoints were established in the different strategic areas in the region, Malong said.
All permits to carry firearms outside of residence (PTCFOR) are suspended.
Malong added only members of Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other law enforcement agencies who are performing official duties will be allowed to carry firearms.
The election gun ban ends Monday midnight. (Cindy Ferrer/PNA)
