23 violators arrested in 10 days of gunban in EV

By RPCRD, Police Regional Office 8
October 9, 2013

CAMP SEC. KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte – At least 23 persons have been arrested in Eastern Visayas during the first ten days since the gun ban was implemented by the authorities for the upcoming barangay elections later this month, according to figures from the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO8).

“All the 23 violators are civilians and they are now facing charges for firearms ban violation apart from additional criminal charges if they committed other offenses,” PCSupt. Elmer R. Soria, PRO8 director informed.

He added that police units in the region have confiscated a total 13 firearms, four of which are high-powered, three low-powered and six are homemade guns.

“Apart from firearms, 14 assorted bladed weapons and 65 assorted ammunitions were also seized,” the police official further said.

The arrests were made through the implementation of checkpoints in strategic places, implementation of search warrants and confiscation during arrests of wanted persons, police response and intelligence-driven operations.

The latest to be arrested in the region were couple Eric Mendoza, 43 and Carmen Balotaolo, 42, in a manhunt operation early Wednesday morning at Brgy. Mantahan in Maasin City.

Balotalo was arrested based in an arrest warrant for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

During the arrest, the duo was caught in the act of segregating and repacking suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride or “shabu”.

Aside from three sachets of suspected “shabu” granules and several drug paraphernalia, one unit .38 caliber Smith and Wesson revolver loaded with five ammunitions and one unit .22 caliber magnum Black Widow revolver, both without serial numbers, and 11 ammunitions for .22 caliber were confiscated in plain view by the arresting policemen.

Since September 28, all police line units nationwide have aggressively implemented the 45-day firearms ban wherein until November 12, no person shall bear, carry or transport firearms or other deadly weapons in public places, even if licensed to possess or carry the same, unless authorized in writing by the Commission on Elections.

This is also the second time this year that government authorities are imposing a nationwide gun-ban which was first implemented by the authorities last January 13 up to June 12 for the mid-term local and national elections held last May 13.

During the 6-month gun ban in connection with the midterm elections, the PRO8 had arrested 186 violators and confiscated 155 firearms assorted firearms and filed 151 criminal charges in different courts throughout the region.