549 persons nabbed, 119 guns seized over gun ban violation

 CAMP FLORENDO, La Union – At least 549 people have been arrested and 119 firearms confiscated at various checkpoints in the Ilocos Region for violation of the election gun ban.

During a recent meeting of the Regional Joint Security Control Center here, Chief Superintendent Ericson Velasquez, Ilocos police director, said the highest number of violators were recorded in Pangasinan at 278; Ilocos Sur, 102; La Union, 96, and Ilocos Norte, 73. 

Sixty-two firearms were seized in Pangasinan, 21 in La Union, 23 in Ilocos Sur and 13 in Ilocos Norte.  

“This is a result of our earnest commitment and concerted efforts in the implementation of our continuing and intensified operations in partnership with other law enforcement agencies,” Velasquez said. 

He said at least 84 political candidates and 265 civilians in Ilocos have deposited their firearms for safekeeping with the police during the election period.

In Leyte, police have filed charges against 71 people for violation of the election gun ban.

Chief Insp. Ma. Bella Rentuaya, Leyte police spokesperson, said 114 people have been arrested and 114 firearms confiscated since Jan. 10. – Jun Elias, Miriam Grace Desacada