Gun Ban Violations Rise on Negros Island
From January 12 to June 11, authorities apprehended 69 individuals for breaching the election gun ban across Negros Island. The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office led the effort, arresting 41 violators. Meanwhile, the Bacolod City Police caught 15 suspects, and the Negros Oriental Police detained 13.
This intensified campaign against illegal firearms is part of the ongoing efforts to enforce the election gun ban. Police Capt. Judesses Catalogo, spokesperson for Negros Occidental police, shared that 44 incidents were recorded during this period, resulting in the confiscation of 47 firearms. “These are products of our intensified police operations against loose firearms,” he explained.
Operations and Arrests Focused on Loose Firearms
Catalogo added that arrests in Negros Occidental occurred through search warrants, buy-bust operations, law enforcement implementation, and quick police responses. However, no arrests resulted from 24-hour checkpoint operations during the gun ban period.
“Our intensified campaign stems from previous shooting incidents involving loose firearms,” Catalogo emphasized. “This is to address incidents and situations which involved civilians with loose firearms.” He highlighted that these measures are part of strengthened crime prevention efforts throughout the province.
Negros Oriental’s Minimal Violations and Confiscations
Police Lt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson for Negros Oriental police, reported that 12 firearms were confiscated in 13 operations, including checkpoints. Many of these firearms were seized during anti-illegal drug operations.
Polinar noted that Negros Oriental had the fewest gun ban violators among the three police offices, attributing the low numbers to rigorous efforts to reduce violations in the province. “This is due to our maximum efforts to reduce the number of gun ban violators in the province,” he said.
All apprehended violators now face charges related to gun ban violations. Local authorities continue to push for stricter enforcement to ensure peace and order during the election period.
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