Northern Luzon posts many gun-ban arrests

EDITORIAL

The Commission on Elections-imposed a nationwide gun ban from Jan. 10 to June 8, which the Philippine National Police implemented to ensure honest, orderly and peaceful elections last May 9 is over with police records baring many arrests and confiscations during the period happened in Northern Luzon.

The gun ban took effect for 150 days, but now, legitimate gun holders can now carry their firearms outside residence as the nationwide gun ban ended midnight of June 8. The PNP, however, clarified that only gun holders with permit to carry firearms outside residence can bring their firearms with them.

A total of 4,661 violators were arrested during the 150-day campaign, which resulted in the confiscation of 3,828 assorted firearms, 42,020 other deadly weapons and 39,935 rounds of assorted ammunition.

Out of the 4,661 violators, 4,460 are civilians, 36 from PNP and 21 military personnel. 

The Pangasinan police, for their part, arrested 186 persons and confiscated 159 firearms during the entire implementation of the gun ban.Senior Supt. Edgar Alan Okubo said another 16 air guns and nine replicas were also seized, based on consolidated reports gathered from 44 towns and four cities in Pangasinan.

The report also showed 4,638 ammunition and 101 magazines for different guns, 11 hand grenades and one rifle grenade were also confiscated during the gun ban implementation. 

A total of 164 cases were filed in court.

Region 1 police director Chief Supt. Ericson Velasquez reported around 329 violators and 244 assorted firearms were confiscated for the duration of the gun ban. 

       EDIVelasquez said of the 329 persons arrested, 310 were civilians, 12 were government officials and employees, five security guards and two policemen.

The regional police said 145 were arrested in Pangasinan, 62 in La Union, 54 in Ilocos Sur and 68 in Ilocos Norte.

The regional police also reported 244 assorted firearms were seized, 30 firearm replicas, air guns and airsoft guns, 32 bladed weapons and 36 grenades and explosives.

During 2013 midterm elections, PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor said a total of 3,724 persons were arrested, with 50 PNP and 23 Armed Forces personnel involved, while a total of 3,617 firearms were confiscated during the 150-day election gun ban period.

Police campaigns under OPLAN Lambat-Sibat such as Oplan Bakal, Oplan Katok and checkpoint operations will be sustained as part of the PNP’s anti-criminality campaign because of its proven effectiveness in preempting illegal activities and taking away instruments of crime and violence.

 The Omnibus Election Code, Mayor said only policemen and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, including blue guards and other security government agencies, are allowed to carry firearms during work hours in their areas of responsibility.

The penalty for election violation is not less than one year to six years and perpetual disqualification from government service. If you are a government employee, the penalty carries disqualification from re-employment and you cannot vote.