ILOILO City – As of Feb. 20, 83 individuals were arrested for violating the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution 10728 imposing a gun ban in line with the May 9, 2022 elections.
The arrests were made in the following areas:
* Aklan – 10
* Antique – three
* Capiz – four
* Guimaras – one
* Iloilo Province – 15
* Negros Occidental – 36
* Iloilo City – six
* Bacolod City – eight
Under Comelec Resolution 10728, all permits to carry firearms outside of residence are suspended except those of regular members of the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other law enforcement agencies (OLEA) of the government who are duly deputized in writing by the Commission for election period.
However, when in possession of firearms, the deputized law enforcement officer must be in in full uniform showing clearly and legibly his name, rank and serial number, which shall remain visible at all times, and in actual performance of his/her election duty in the specific area designated by the Commission.
Similarly, permits to transport firearms, ammunition, explosives, public firearms display and exhibits, are also suspended.
One of the most recent arrests was a 57-year-old man from Barangay Aglimocon, Maayon, Capiz. Romerico Canarejo was caught early morning of Feb. 21 in Barangay Siempreviva, San Dionisio, Iloilo.
The municipal police station received a report from a barangay kagawad that Canarejo pointed a gun to a minor. Immediately, cops responded.
Canarejo yielded a .45 pistol, police said. He was taken to the San Dionisio police station
A complaint for violation of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) and Comelec Resolution 10728 is being prepared./PN
