7 violators fall in Talisay

CEBU, Philippines — With the implementation of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) nationwide gun ban, Talisay City Police Office has already apprehended seven individuals for violating the order.

Authorities arrested three individuals in separate operations on January 16, 2025. The first arrested was made around 6:40 P.M., where Leonard Llaños Pardillo, 30, from Sitio Didos, Barangay Linao, Talisay City, was caught in possession of an unmarked .38 cal. revolver with three live rounds.

Later that evening, at 8:45 P.M., Richard Maxilom Tampon, 38, a construction worker from Purok Mangga, Barangay Candulawan, was arrested for the same offense. He was found carrying a .45 cal. pistol with three live rounds.

The third arrest occurred at around 9:15 P.M. in Sitio San Miguel, Barangay Linao. Motorcycle-for-hire driver Juncel Nacua Villejo, 34, was caught possessing an unmarked .38 cal. revolver along with two live rounds.

A day later on January 17, three additional individuals were apprehended with the same violation.

TCPO arrested Kent Vaness Sidlakan, 20, in Purok Tambis, Barangay Pooc, during a routine patrol operation. He is a resident of L. Flores Street, Sitio Lawis, Barangay Pasil, Cebu City, and was caught in possession of a .357 cal. revolver without markings and serial numbers, along with two live rounds.

At 10 P.M. of the same day, Rod Lee Buhawe Blanza, 28, originally from Sitio Lawis, Barangay Pasil, Cebu City, was arrested in Sitio Sawsawan, Barangay San Roque, Talisay City.

Fifty minutes later, Justin Taneo, 20, from Sitio Kolo, Barangay Marigondon, Lapu-Lapu City, was arrested at Gaisano SRP, Barangay San Roque, for possession of an unmarked .22 cal. magnum revolver and four live rounds.

Lastly, on January 19, a search warrant led to the arrest of Rosvel Ordeniza Enjambre, 48, for illegal possession of firearms and violation of the Comelec gun ban.

The operation was conducted at around 12:12 A.M. in Sitio Florida, Barangay Dumlog, Talisay City. The suspect was reportedly a former soldier and now working as a butcher.

During the operation, law enforcement officers recovered a .45 cal. pistol with markings but without serial numbers. Also confiscated was a magazine with five live .45 cal. rounds.

Comelec’s response

With the ongoing operations and arrests, Comelec regional director Francisco Pobe emphasized the importance of the gun ban in maintaining a fair and secure election period.

This nationwide gun ban which started last January 12 until June 11, 2025 aims to protect every citizen and ensure a peaceful election period.

“Its purpose is to level the political playing field so that nobody takes advantage of and takes influence of the time during elections,” said Pobe.

When asked as regarding the status of arrests in the Central Visayas, Pobe said that it is yet to be finalized since the Philippine National Police has yet to submit a complete statistical report on checkpoint arrests.

Pobe also explained the consequences for those caught violating the gun ban. If the firearm is licensed but lacks authority from the commission, the violator faces six years of imprisonment under the gun ban resolution. If the firearm is unlicensed and lacks approval from Comelec, the offender commits two violations; illegal possession of a firearm under the Revised Penal Code and violation of the gun ban resolution.

On the other hand, firearm holders can seek exemption from the gun ban. Pobe shared that they can apply online, provided they meet all documentary requirements, including a thorough threat assessment from both the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Any person who qualifies and complies with the necessary documents may be granted an exemption. — Gabriel Bonjoc