CEBU CITY – Twenty-six individuals have been arrested in Central Visayas since the gun ban for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections next month has been enforced.
Police Lt. Col. Gerard Ace Pelare said most of the arrests were made during random checkpoints or implementation of search warrants.
The spokesperson of Police Regional Office-Central Visayas (PRO-7) director Police Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin warned that the police will strictly enforce the gun ban which started last August 28 and ends on November 29.
“We want to emphasize to the people in Central Visayas not to violate the gun ban because they will be facing cases for violation of Republic Act 10591 and violation of the election gun ban,” Pelare said.
Pelare said that the 26 arrested individuals are all civilians.
“Some arrests were made during implementation of search warrants because these people have been monitored by police for various offenses. Some of the arrested persons were caught during checkpoints,” said Pelare.
Pelare warned that even uniformed personnel will be arrested if they are caught bringing firearms illegally.
“We will enforce the law for everyone. If someone is caught carrying an unlicensed firearm, civilian or uniformed personnel, the police will take appropriate action,” Pelares said.
Pelare said the PRO-7 has been conducting threat assessments to prevent untoward incidents from happening during the BSKE.