69 Arrested for Gun Ban Violations in Negros Island

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – A total of 69 individuals were arrested across Negros Island for violating the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban from January 12 to June 11 in connection with the May 12 midterm elections.

The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo) recorded the highest number of violators at 41, followed by the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) with 15, and the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (Norppo) with 13.

Police Capt. Judesses Catalogo, Nocppo’s public information officer, said 44 gun ban incidents were recorded over six months, leading to the confiscation of 47 firearms.

Catalogo explained that the high number of arrests was the result of intensified police operations targeting individuals with loose firearms following a series of shooting incidents in the province.

“This is part of our strengthened crime prevention measures,” he said.

The arrests were made through various police operations including search warrant implementation, buy-busts, enforcement of laws, and quick response efforts.

Meanwhile, Police Lt. Stephen Polinar, public information officer of Norppo, said 12 firearms were seized during 13 operations, including checkpoints and anti-illegal drug raids.

Polinar emphasized that Norppo posted the lowest number of gun ban violators among the three police units.

“This is due to our maximum efforts to reduce the number of gun ban violators in the province,” he said.

In Bacolod City, authorities seized 15 firearms during the election period.

All suspects arrested for gun ban violations have been formally charged under the Comelec directive.