The Police Regional Office 5 headquarters in Legazpi City. (Photo courtesy of PRO5)
LEGAZPI CITY – Sixteen individuals were arrested for violating the election gun ban in Bicol from Aug. 28 to Sept. 18, the Police Regional Office-Bicol (PRO5) said on Tuesday.
Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib, PRO5 spokesperson, said the apprehended individuals are all civilians who violated the implementation of the gun ban in connection with the Oct. 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
"From the total 21 police operations in the region, they have confiscated 12 firearms, 193 pieces of ammunition and eight deadly weapons," Calubaquib said in an interview.
Based on the data, PRO5 said the province of Masbate has the highest number of violators with six; Naga City and Camarines Sur have three each; Sorsogon, two; and Albay and Catanduanes, one each.
Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution No. 10918 mandates that unless authorized, the bearing, carrying, or transporting of firearms and other deadly weapons outside one's residence or place of business and in all public areas are prohibited from Aug. 28 to Nov. 29.
Violations are punishable by imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than six years and shall not be subject to probation.
Calubaquib said PRO5 has asked for the public's cooperation in keeping with the regulations to avoid facing election offenses.
"As the gun ban continues, we ask the public to work together with us to ensure a safe and orderly election process in the region," she added. (PNA)
