No poll violence?

LINGAYEN–Three days before the fatal shooting of San Carlos City Mayor Julian Resuello, signs were indicative that Pangasinan just might have its most peaceful election in its history yet in the coming May 14 polls.

Police reports show that gun ban violations in this vote-rich province in connection with the mid-term election have decreased by as much as 75% compared to the2004 elections. Further, since the start of the gun ban implementation on January 14 until April 23, there has been no election- related violence incident recorded.

“Wala pa sa one fourth ang mga violation na naire-record natin ngayon kumpara noong 2004 election,” Chief Inspector Chito Esmenda, Jr, chief of the investigation and detective management division of the Philippine National Police provincial office here told The PUNCH.

Esmenda attributes the significant decline to their pro-active efforts, as initiated by Regional Director Chief Supt. Leopoldo Bataoil and Provincial Director Sr. Supt. Isagani Nerez.

He added that people have also become more aware of the gun ban law.

The police have apprehended 35 people for gun ban violation, with 11 high- powered firearms and 30 low-powered firearms seized. A total of 63 high powered ammunitions and another 234 low powered ammunitions were also confiscated.

Esmenda added that no single elected official or candidate was arrested for gun ban violation.

So far, 28 cases have been filed in court, including those involving four policemen and one Navy man. These include SPO1 Benjamin Bugayong of San Carlos City, P03 Esterio Barbero assigned to the Maritime Police and arrested in Dagupan City, SPO1 Charlie Nava of Mangaldan and PO3 Normandy Reyes assigned to Special Action Force and arrested in Asingan and CD3 Jose Tulagan assigned to Poro Point, La Union but arrested in San Carlos City this province.

PO3 Simplicio Castro of Alaminos City, was arrested but his case was dropped for lack of probable cause.

Policemen and other law enforcers are allowed to carry their firearms while in uniform from their residence to place of assignment and vice versa but once in civilian clothes, they should have clearance from the Commission on Elections and permit to carry, Esmenda said.

“We hope and pray that this good record will continue until the end of this election,” Esmenda said.–EVA