CEBU, Philippines - One person was arrested yesterday for violating the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban.
The arrest of Segundino Baya, 41, of Negros Occidental, was the first since the gun ban was implemented at midnight yesterday.
Baya was arrested in a checkpoint conducted by the San Nicolas Police Station at 10:15 a.m. yesterday on C. Padilla St., Barangay San Nicolas.
Confiscated from him were a .38 revolver and six ammunition.
Police are checking with the Firearms Explosives Security Agencies Guards Supervisory Section (FESSAGS) if the gun is licensed.
Baya is now detained at the San Nicolas police stockade.
Sr. Supt. Mariano Natu-el Jr., acting director of the Cebu City Police Office said they are expecting more arrests in the coming days.
Sr. Supt. Patrocinio Comendador, director of the Cebu Provincial Police Office revealed that as of yesterday, no one was arrested for gun ban violation in Cebu Province.
The Comelec gun ban is to ensure a peaceful and orderly polls in May.
Aside from firearms, bearing, carrying and transporting other deadly weapons are also prohibited.
The police force nationwide is on heightened alert and checkpoints are set up as part of the enforcement of the gun ban.
The Comelec has also announced amendments of the gun ban rule to include in the list of those exempted from the ban Vice President Jejomar Binay, Cabinet secretaries and senators not seeking reelection.
Aside from it, the Comelec also prohibits suspension of elective local officials, transfer or movement of officers and employees, use of security personnel or bodyguards by candidates unless authorized in writing by the poll body, creation of strike forces or armed groups, and giving donations or gifts in cash or in kind by officials and candidates.
Also not allowed are the appointment or use of special policemen, confidential agents or the like and construction of public works. (FREEMAN)