By Eva Visperas
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – Six individuals were apprehended in Pangasinan for violating the gun ban enforced by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on the first day of the election period, which began on January 12.
As part of heightened security measures for the upcoming elections, police in Region 1 launched more than 500 simultaneous Comelec checkpoints across the region to enforce the gun ban, which prohibits the carrying of firearms and other deadly weapons.
During the operation, authorities seized five small arms and one firearm replica from the violators. The identities of the individuals have not been released.
In a statement during the Monday flag-raising ceremony at Camp Oscar Florendo, Police Regional Office 1 Regional Director Police Brigadier General Lou Evangelista underscored the importance of checkpoint operations.
“Palagi nating ipaalala sa mga mamamayan ang kahalagahan ng pagsunod sa batas sa panahong ito ng eleksyon. Nararapat nating sundin ang mga do’s and don’ts ngayong election season, kabilang na ang prohibition on carrying firearms without authorization and other election offenses,” Evangelista said.
He further emphasized the importance of cooperation with law enforcement, stating, “Mahigpit din nating ipina-paalala ang kahalagahan ng pakikipag-cooperate sa ating mga pulis na nakatalaga sa mga Comelec checkpoint. Ang mga hakbang na ito ay hindi lamang basta alituntunin—ito ay mahalagang bahagi ng ating sama-samang layunin na masiguro ang isang mapayapa, ligtas, at maayos na eleksyon.“
The arrested individuals will face the appropriate charges, and police have pledged to continue comprehensive operations throughout the election period.
Authorities are urging the public to report any suspicious activities related to firearms or other potential violations.