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.
“The intensified
implementation of the gun ban will curb the possible outbreak of
violence for the upcoming village elections on October 28,” Soria
said.