PRO8 nab 98 gun ban violators

By RPCRD, Police Regional Office 8
April 17, 2013

CAMP SEC. KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte – The number of violators of the current election gun ban arrested by Police Regional Office 8 (PRO8) in Eastern Visayas has reached 98 after police arrested a businessman in Ormoc City for poking his gun to a market vendor on Monday morning.

Police Chief Superintendent Elmer Ragadio Soria, PRO8 Regional Director, informed that various police operations conducted by his men have resulted in the arrest of 98 persons since the ban was enforced early this year.

“The arrests were made through the implementation of checkpoints in strategic areas in coordination with our AFP counterparts and other police operations like implementation of search warrants, police response to calls for assistance resulting in the apprehension of suspects and intelligence-driven operations,” Soria said.

A total of 83 high-powered and low-powered firearms, 5 airguns and firearm replicas, 36 bladed weapons, 7 hand grenades, 3 rifle grenades, 1 improvised explosive, 52 blasting caps and several rounds of ammunition were confiscated by the police.

Soria further informed that 79 cases for violation of Republic Act 8294 (Illegal Possession of Firearms) in relation to COMELEC Resolution No. 9561-A were filed against the suspects in different courts throughout the region.

The Commission on Elections deputized the Philippine National Police to strictly implement the gun ban, which seeks to minimize election-related violence, that started last January 13 and lasts until June 12.

While it is in effect, bearing, carrying and transporting firearms and other deadly weapons are prohibited unless authorized in writing by the Comelec with only law enforcers on duty and in full uniform are allowed to carry firearms outside their residence.

In related development, a 38-year old businessman in Ormoc City is the latest addition to the list of gun ban violators in the region.

Elizer Bakunawa, married, and a resident of Brgy Linao, Ormoc City was arrested by responding elements of Police Station 1, Ormoc City Police Office after receiving a complaint from one Ali Asa Abdul Assi, 33, married, public market vendor for allegedly threatening him on early Monday morning by pointing a gun to him while under the influence of intoxicating liquor.

The responding lawmen apprehended the suspect who was caught while in his possession and control one unit Glock 19 caliber .9mm pistol with serial number AAIN583 with a magazine loaded with 14 live ammunition. The suspect failed to present any legal documents and exemption from the COMELEC for carrying said gun.