ILOILO CITY – A total of 57 individuals have been arrested across Western for violating the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban.
From January 12 to February 23, 2025, various police units conducted strict security operations to curb election-related violence, which also led to the seizure of 56 firearms and six gun replicas.
The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office has the highest number of arrests at 17 individuals, followed by the Iloilo Police Provincial Office with 11.
Capiz recorded nine arrests and Bacolod City had seven.
Police Brigadier General Jack L. Wanky, director of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6), credited the success of the operation to the coordinated efforts of all police units and the Joint Security Control Center member agencies.
He emphasized the importance of upholding proper police procedures and treating the public with courtesy during Comelec checkpoint operations.
The gun ban, enforced under Republic Act No. 7166 and Comelec Resolution No. 11067, is part of the nationwide security measures to prevent violence during the election period.
Authorities continue to warn against illegal possession of firearms and remind the public to comply with regulations to ensure safe and orderly elections./PN
