Gun ban nets 85, 116 guns

The implementation of the election gun ban from Jan. 13 to June 12 resulted to the arrest of 85 persons and confiscation of 116 assorted firearms in Cebu City.

Among those arrested were 81 civilians, three security guards and a policeman.

Senior Supt. Mariano Natu-el, chief of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), said the campaign against loose firearms will continue despite the lifting of the election gun ban.

“Daghan man gani mi nadakpan even if gun ban how much more if dili. So dapat i-continue ni namo as it helps a lot in preventing crimes (Not a few were arrested during the gun ban how much more if the law is not in effect. We will continue with the campaign since it helps a lot in preventing crimes,” said Natuel.

Of the seized firearms, 48 were high-powered and 68 were low-powered such as .45 pistols, .357 revolvers and .22 revolvers.

Among the 11 police stations in Cebu City, the Waterfront Police Station made the most number of apprehensions with 10.

The Mabolo Police Station had the most firearms confiscated with 19.

Natuel said regular checkpoints helped the police in catching gun ban violators.

In Cebu province, 79 persons were arrested for violating the gun ban and they have been charged in court.

The Cebu Provincial Police Office (CCPO) seized 37 high-powered firearms and 59 low-powered guns.

A person violating the gun ban imposed by the Commission on Elections faces a penalty of one to six years imprisonment without probation, disqualification from holding office and deprivation of the right to vote. The seized firearm shall be forfeited in favor of the government.