216 nabbed for poll gun ban violation

MANILA, Philippines — At least 216 people were arrested during the first week of the national gun ban implemented by the Commission on Elections in preparation for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) in October, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported yesterday.

Of the total violators, 211 are civilians, two are members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, two are security guards, and one is an elected government official in Eastern Visayas.

Widower Noel Coja, 51, was the first gun ban violator arrested by the police on Sept. 2 in Sagay City, Negros Occidental.

He was arrested after Sagay City election officer lawyer Ryan Deldo reported him to the Sagay City police for threatening a bystander with a gun.

When Coja was brought to the Sagay City police headquarters and subjected to a body search, a caliber .45 pistol with a magazine containing six ammunition was recovered from him.

Coja, who was reported to be a Bantay Bukid member stationed at the Northern Negros Natural Park, also failed to present documents that allow him to carry a gun. He is now detained at the Sagay City police custodial facility.