Western Visayas Cracks Down on gun Ban Violations: 21 Arrests Since Election Period Began
The election gun ban in Western Visayas has led too the arrest of 21 individuals since its implementation on January 12,2025,according to the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6). The latest arrest involved a 54-year-old man caught carrying a gun replica at a checkpoint in Barangay Mansilingan–Murcia Road, Bacolod City, late monday night.
“During this election period, we have the gun ban, and carrying and bearing of firearm or firearms without a certificate of authority from the Committee on the Ban on Firearms and Security Concern is a violation,” said PRO-6 spokesperson Lt. Col.Arnel Solis. He emphasized that even gun replicas fall under the ban’s enforcement.
The intensified checkpoint operations across Western Visayas have yielded notable results. The negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (PPO) recorded the highest number of apprehensions with six, followed by the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) with five. Capiz PPO reported four arrests, while Iloilo City PO logged three. Aklan PPO, Iloilo PPO, and the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 6 each arrested one violator.
PRO-6 Director Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky praised the unit commanders for their strict adherence to the gun ban. “Continue the implementation of our Comelec checkpoints in your respective areas of jurisdiction to intercept and arrest those transporting and carrying firearms and deadly weapons without the corresponding authority from the Committee on the Ban on Firearms and Security Concerns,” he ordered.
The arrests highlight the region’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful election period. With the gun ban in place until June 11, authorities remain vigilant in curbing potential threats.
Key Arrests in Western Visayas (Jan. 12–28, 2025)
| Police Office | number of Arrests |
|———————————-|———————–|
| Negros Occidental PPO | 6 |
| Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO)| 5 |
| Capiz PPO | 4 |
| Iloilo City PO | 3 |
| Aklan PPO | 1 |
| Iloilo PPO | 1 |
| Regional Mobile Force Battalion 6| 1 |
The crackdown on gun ban violators underscores the importance of compliance with election regulations. As the election period progresses, authorities urge the public to adhere to the rules to avoid legal repercussions.
Stay informed about the latest updates on election security measures and ensure your actions align with the law. Your cooperation is vital in maintaining peace and order during this critical time.
Ensuring Election Safety: A Deep Dive into Western Visayas’ Gun Ban enforcement
As the 2025 election period unfolds, Western Visayas has taken proactive measures to enforce the gun ban, a critical step in maintaining peace and order. Since its implementation on January 12, 2025, the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) has arrested 21 individuals for violations. To shed light on this significant initiative, World Today News’ Senior Editor, Clara Martinez, sat down with Dr. Miguel Santos, an expert in election security and regional law enforcement dynamics, to discuss the crackdown’s impact, challenges, and future implications.
Overview of the Gun Ban’s Implementation
Clara Martinez: Dr. Santos, can you provide an overview of how the gun ban has been enforced in Western Visayas so far?
Dr. Miguel Santos: Certainly, Clara. The gun ban, which is a standard procedure during election periods, aims to minimize the risk of violence and ensure a peaceful surroundings for voters. In Western Visayas, the PRO-6 has been particularly vigilant, setting up checkpoints across key areas to intercept firearms and deadly weapons. As January 12, they’ve made 21 arrests, with Negros Occidental and Bacolod City leading in the number of apprehensions. These efforts are a testament to the region’s commitment to upholding election regulations.
Key Challenges in Enforcement
Clara Martinez: What challenges have authorities faced in enforcing the gun ban, and how have they addressed them?
Dr. Miguel Santos: One of the main challenges is the presence of gun replicas, which are also prohibited under the ban but are often mistaken for harmless items. As a notable example, in Bacolod City, a man was arrested for carrying a replica, highlighting the need for heightened awareness and thorough inspections at checkpoints.Additionally, ensuring compliance in remote areas where transportation and communication can be challenging has been a hurdle. However, the PRO-6 has addressed these issues by intensifying operations and providing clear guidelines to unit commanders.
Impact on Election Security
clara Martinez: How significant are these arrests in terms of ensuring a secure election period?
Dr. Miguel Santos: These arrests are crucial. They send a strong message that violations of the gun ban will not be tolerated,which can deter potential offenders. The fact that Negros Occidental alone has recorded six arrests shows the effectiveness of these measures. By removing firearms and deadly weapons from circulation, authorities are reducing the risk of election-related violence. This enforcement also fosters public confidence in the electoral process, as voters feel safer participating.
Public Cooperation and Awareness
Clara Martinez: What role does public cooperation play in the success of the gun ban?
Dr. Miguel Santos: Public cooperation is absolutely vital. Awareness campaigns have been instrumental in educating the community about the gun ban’s scope, including the prohibition of replicas and the need for proper authorization. Authorities have urged the public to report violations, and this collective effort has significantly contributed to the crackdown’s success.Without the public’s support, it would be far more challenging to enforce these regulations effectively.
Looking Ahead: Ensuring Continued Vigilance
Clara Martinez: As the election period continues, what steps should authorities take to maintain momentum?
Dr. Miguel Santos: It’s essential for the PRO-6 and other law enforcement agencies to sustain thier vigilance. This includes maintaining checkpoints, conducting surprise inspections, and leveraging intelligence to identify potential threats. Additionally, continuous engagement with the community will ensure ongoing support and compliance. The gun ban is in place until June 11, so maintaining this level of enforcement will be critical in safeguarding the integrity of the elections.
Conclusion
The crackdown on gun ban violators in Western Visayas underscores the region’s dedication to ensuring a peaceful election period. With 21 arrests made since January 12, 2025, authorities have demonstrated their commitment to upholding election regulations. As Dr.Miguel Santos highlighted,public cooperation and continued vigilance are key to maintaining this momentum. By adhering to the gun ban and supporting law enforcement efforts, the public can contribute to a safer and more secure electoral process.