CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga -- At least 47 individuals were arrested and 83 firearms were seized in Central Luzon since the start of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban on January 13.
Chief Supt. Joel Napoleon Coronel, director of the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3), said on Monday that the different police operations resulted in the arrest of gun ban violators and the confiscation of 83 firearms, including eight deadly weapons, four grenades and 475 ammunitions -- conducted from January 13 to 24.
Coronel also said that 33 individuals died in legitimate police operations, most of whom during shootouts with authorities while evading checkpoints in the region.
"We will have no let-up in the conduct of our preemptive measures being implemented as part of our security preparations in line with the forthcoming 2019 mid-term elections this May,” he said.
He also asked the cooperation of the public, particularly in the conduct of checkpoints and the enforcement of gun ban.
“Time and again, I appeal to the public to cooperate with us so that we will have a smooth sailing election period,” Coronel said.
He reiterated that the bearing, carrying and transporting of firearms and other deadly weapons and other prohibitive acts during the election period are not allowed.
During the election period until June 12, all licenses to carry firearms outside the residence have been suspended. Only members of the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, National Bureau of Investigation, and other law enforcement units who are on duty will be issued written permits by the Comelec to carry firearms.
“I also urged the public to be alert and vigilant while passing through a PNP-Comelec checkpoint and to immediately report any possible irregularities committed by our police personnel,” Coronel added. (PNA)
