By Nanette Guadalquiver/Philippine News Agency
BACOLOD CITY — The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) has stepped up operations against certain persons or groups believed to have plans to disrupt the conduct of the upcoming mid-term elections in the province.
Col. Romeo Baleros, police provincial director, issued the warning after police operatives seized alleged illegal firearms and ammunition during three operations with search warrants in Isabela town on Tuesday.
“As part of our efforts to secure the May 13 elections, the Negros Occidental police is relentless in targeting individuals or groups who, based on our intelligence reports, have high potential of perpetrating violence during the election period,” Baleros said in a statement.
The simultaneous operations conducted by personnel of Isabela Municipal Police Station, Provincial Intelligence Section, and 1st and 2nd Negros Occidental Police Mobile Force Company in Barangays 8, 9 and Tinongan led to the arrest of three security men of Mayor Joselito Malabor.
Operatives recovered two .45-caliber pistols with six magazines and 83 rounds of ammunition, two magazines and 36 rounds of ammunition for Thompson submachine gun, an ammunition box, and an expired firearms license.
The suspects are detained in the custodial facility of Isabela Municipal Police Station.
“This operation is not politically-motivated because this is part of our mandate to go after loose firearms to ensure the conduct of secure and fair elections,” Baleros said.
The provincial police chief urged gun owners to be responsible and acquire the documents needed to possess firearms.
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