HIGHEST IN REGION

IMPLEMENTATION of the Commission on Election’s gun ban in Region 1 since January 13 has so far led to the arrests of 237 persons, 144 of whom were in Pangasinan making the province with the highest number of arrests. 

This was revealed by P/ Brig. Gen. Romulo Sapitula, regional police director, who said those arrested violating the gun ban included 231 civilians and six government officials.

A report of the Regional Election Monitoring Action Center (REMAC) showed La Union has the second highest number of gun ban violators arrested, numbering 35, followed by Ilocos Sur, 30; and Ilocos Norte, 28.

The arrests were made through serving of arrest and search warrants, conduct of checkpoint operations, as well as drug buy-busts and during response for help from citizens.

Seized from these operations were 168 assorted firearms, consisting of 129 small arms, one light weapon and 38 gun replicas, possession of which was also prohibited during the election gun ban.     

Others seized were 1,918 other weapons to include 25 grenades, 14 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), 1,841 ammunition and 38 pointed/bladed weapons. 

Sapitula credited the successful accomplishments of the police against violators of the gun ban to the relentless and firm implementation of “consistent and focused police operations”.

Meanwhile, Sapitula ordered the police on the ground to be extra vigilant as the campaign period for local candidates has started and there are national candidates campaigning in the region and to be on guard for attacks by lawless elements. (Leonardo Micua) 

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