Eastern Visayas police nab 278 gun ban violators

PALO, Leyte, May 3 (PNA) -– A week before election day, the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Eastern Visayas has already arrested 278 people for bringing firearms and deadly weapons in public despite the ongoing gun ban.

The police regional office reported that 269 civilians, five government officials, two policemen, a soldier, and a trustee have been apprehended violations of gun ban as 7 a.m. on Tuesday.

“This is an indication that our policemen have been working hard to carry out focused police operations such as the conduct of Comelec checkpoints and Oplan Lambat Sibat,” said police regional office spokesman Chief Insp. Ma. Bella D. Rentuaya

Policemen have confiscated 296 firearms since the effectivity of the ban on January 10, which include 109 guns, 173 bladed weapons, and 14 explosives.

About 200 cases have been filed in prosecutors’ offices, 30 cases filed in courts, and 36 cases are scheduled for filing.

Of the 278 persons, 117 were nabbed in Leyte province, 40 in Samar, 31 in Tacloban City, 26 in Northern Samar, 22 in Eastern Samar, 20 in Southern Leyte, 14 in Ormoc City, and eight in Biliran province.

The PNP has assured the public that it will continue to step up its enforcement of the prohibition on firearms, ammunition, explosives and other deadly weapons as May 9 nears.

Under Commission on Elections Resolution No. 10015, it is an election offense to bear, carry, or transport firearms or other deadly weapons – whether licensed or not – in public places during the election period from January 10 to June 8, 2016.

The offense is punishable with imprisonment of one to six years, permanent disqualification from public office and loss of right to vote, deportation for foreigners after serving prison term, and cancellation or perpetual disqualification to secure license or permit. (PNA)

FFC/SARWELL Q. MENIANO