GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Police units in Region 12 (Soccsksargen) confiscated at least 76 firearms in nearly three months in line with the implementation of the election gun ban.
Brig. Gen. Eliseo Tam Rasco, regional director of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 12, said in a report on Sunday the assorted firearms were seized in various operations in the region since the start of the election period on Jan. 13, 2019.
He said these include the implementation of search warrants, serving of warrants of arrest, conduct of checkpoints and chokepoints, and other law enforcement activities.
Such accomplishment was in compliance with the directive from the Philippine National Police (PNP) central office “to strictly and religiously implement” the firearms ban in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other law enforcement agencies.
“This is to prevent the occurrence of election-related incidents and other criminality during the election period and beyond,” Rasco said.
A total of 26 firearms were seized in South Cotabato, 19 in North Cotabato, 11 in Sarangani, 10 in General Santos City, nine in Sultan Kudarat and one in Cotabato City.
The police official assured that they are exerting all efforts to keep the region violence-free in connection with the upcoming May 13 local and national mid-term elections.
“The election is fast approaching and fortunately, up to this time, there were no violent incidents that transpired within our AOR (area of responsibility),” he said.
He said they are hoping to sustain “this kind of peace and order situation we are enjoying right now and will continue until the election period concludes”.
Rasco urged local stakeholders to continually support and cooperate with the authorities to attain peaceful and orderly elections.
He specifically cited the proper reporting of suspicious activities and personalities to the nearest police station or military camp.
“Rest assured that your PNP and AFP will continue to do their best to bring peace and order in our society. What we only need from the community is their full cooperation,” he said. (PNA)
