ILOILO – To ensure peaceful, orderly, and credible midterm elections on May 12, the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) has intensified its monitoring of individuals in possession of illegal firearms and explosives across the province.
Since the implementation of the nationwide gun ban on January 12, a total of 23 individuals have been arrested for violating the prohibition, which remains in effect until June 11, 2025.
The Cabatuan Municipal Police Station recorded the highest number of violations with three cases, followed by police stations in Passi City, Lambunao, Dueñas, and Sara, each with two cases.
To further minimize risks associated with firearms during the election period, the IPPO executed 22 search warrants, resulting in the arrest of 20 individuals and the confiscation of 19 firearms and two explosives.
IPPO director Police Colonel Bayani Razalan underscored the significance of strict law enforcement in preventing election-related violence and other criminal activities.
“We are fully committed to ensuring a safe and peaceful election,” said Razalan. “The IPPO remains steadfast in its campaign against illegal firearms. We want to send a clear and stern warning to anyone unlawfully possessing firearms or attempting to violate the gun ban: they will face serious legal consequences.”
He also urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
As of March 19, data from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Central Office indicated that no city or municipality in Iloilo Province has been classified under the “red category,” or areas of critical concern.
Of the province’s 43 local government units, 35 municipalities and cities fall under the “green category” — areas with no security concerns and deemed generally peaceful. These include: Anilao, Balasan, Banate, Barotac Nuevo, Barotac Viejo, Batad, Bingawan, Cabatuan, Calinog, Carles, Concepcion, Dingle, Dueñas, Dumangas, Estancia, Guimbal, Igbaras, Lambunao, Leganes, Leon, Miag-ao, Mina, New Lucena, Oton, Passi City, Pavia, Pototan, San Enrique, San Miguel, San Rafael, Santa Barbara, Sara, Tigbauan, Tubungan, and Zarraga.
Three towns — Ajuy, Lemery, and San Dionisio — are under the “yellow category”, or moderate risk, due to past election-related incidents, intense political rivalries, or the potential presence of private armed groups.
Meanwhile, five municipalities — Alimodian, Badiangan, Janiuay, Maasin, and San Joaquin — are listed under the “orange category”, indicating high-risk areas with multiple factors including serious armed threats from communist terrorist groups (CTGs). These areas may warrant additional military or police presence and possible reshuffling of local police forces./PN