None yet arrested here over gun ban

CEBU, Philippines - So far no one in Cebu has been arrested for violation of the election gun ban despite the checkpoints being conducted.

While more than 40 people have been arrested in Manila for violating the gun ban in two days, police officials said no arrests have been made here because the Cebuanos are aware of the ban.

Sr. Supt. Patrocinio Comendador, director of Cebu City Police Office, said they have conducted checkpoints in identified strategic routes in the city but have arrested none for violating the Commission on Elections Resolution 8714.

The resolution prohibits anyone, except members of the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines or other law enforcement agency of the government, from bringing firearms.

Police will join forces with the Comelec to enforce the gun ban resolution that prohibits the carrying and transport of firearms, explosives and deadly weapons during the 150-day election period from Jan. 10 to June 9.

A meeting was held late afternoon yesterday between Comendador and officials of the Comelec regarding the gun ban and other election-related issues.

Sr. Insp. Noel Lomente, chief of San Nicolas Police Station, said they conducted a 24-hour checkpoint in their jurisdiction last Sunday, the first day of the implementation of the gun ban.

Lomente, who joined in the checkpoint from 9 to 11 p.m. that day and at 2 to 4 a.m. yesterday, said they wanted to show to the people that the police authorities are serious in apprehending those people who may violate the resolution.

“Among ipakita na seryoso g’yud ning gun ban. During the first day of the gun ban, everytime naa mi i-flagdown for the checkpoint, manghunong ang mga driver ‘nya mangingon, ‘Gun ban sir ‘no?’ So, aware g’yud sila,” Lomente said.

Starting at 12:01 a.m. last Sunday, the police will be conducting checkpoints everyday in line with the gun ban period. — Niña G. Sumacot/BRP    (FREEMAN NEWS)