IN DEMOCRACIES such as ours, elections stand as a testament to the power vested in people. It is a time of decision-making, a moment when citizens have a say in shaping the course of their future. However, the sanctity of this process gets tainted when violence, intimidation, and chaos encroach upon it. The surge of gun ban violations in Western Visayas raises the alarm and underscores the importance of maintaining a peaceful and safe environment leading up to the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.
The report from the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) highlighting the arrest of 56 gun ban violators since the commencement of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban on Aug. 28 is alarming. More concerning is the fact that a vast majority of these violators are civilians. This not only demonstrates a disturbing disregard for election laws but also poses a significant risk to the peace and order during this crucial period.
The data suggest a need for more stringent police checks and rigorous patrolling. While police offices like the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (PPO) and the Iloilo PPO have been notably active, ensuring consistency across all provinces and cities is crucial.
The onus also rests upon the shoulders of other law enforcement agencies. Two of their members being among the violators is a grave reminder that those entrusted with maintaining the law should be its foremost guardians.
PRO-6 director Brigadier General Sidney Villaflor’s call to the public is apt. Adherence to the law isn’t just about avoiding penalties but ensuring that the elections — the very cornerstone of our democracy — are free from threats and intimidation. The importance of creating a safe environment cannot be overstated, especially when the future is at stake.
Let this serve not just as a warning but also as an appeal. Let us not taint the democratic process with the shadow of violence. Let’s ensure a peaceful, just, and harmonious barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan electoral process. After all, a safe election ensures that the voice of every citizen, every voter, is heard loud and clear.
