6 Ilocos gov’t execs among 237 caught with weapons during poll gun ban

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — Six government officials in the Ilocos Region were among 237 people who have been arrested for violating the Commission on Elections gun ban, which took effect on Jan. 13, as national and local candidates roll out for the campaign season of the midterm polls.

The identities of the officials were not released at press time. As many as 144 violators were arrested in Pangasinan province, 28 people were nabbed in Ilocos Norte province, 30 in Ilocos Sur province, and 35 in La Union province, said Police Brig. Gen. Romulo Sapitula, Ilocos Region police director, in a statement.

The Ilocos police seized 168 assorted firearms, during anti-crime operations, at checkpoints, or when the police served court-issued warrants. Some of the violators were caught with toy weapons.

Also seized were 25 grenades, 14 improvised explosive devices, and 38 bladed weapons.