SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – The Police Regional Office 1 (PRO1) under the leadership of Chief Superintendent Ericson T. Velasquez, Regional Director, arrested 93 persons in barely 40 days implementation of gun ban imposed by the Commission on Election since the start on January 10.
Velasquez, said the 93 persons broken down into 85 civilian, five (5) government employees, two (2) members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and one (1) security guard were arrested for carrying firearms, gun replicas, explosives and bladed weapons.
The Region 1 police also seized 61 assorted firearms wherein 18 are high powered and 43 are low powered firearms; three (3) gun replicas; 11 bladed weapons; and 15 grenade and explosives.
The violators were arrested through search warrants, checkpoint operations, buy bust and police response.
Based on records, 62 were arrested in Pangasinan, 11 in La Union, eight (8) in Ilocos Sur and 12 in Ilocos Norte.
According to PCSupt. Velasquez, the recent gun ban accomplishment is the result of relentless implementation of COMELEC Checkpoints, One-Time, Big-Time in relation to Lambat-Sibat, and other focused police operations.
“I ordered our police on the ground to be extra vigilant especially that the campaign period for the national candidates has started on February 9. This is to ensure the safety and security of the political candidates who are visiting our region for their campaign sorties,” Velasquez said.
He likewise ordered the police stations and public safety forces to ensure their operational readiness and maximum security in their area of responsibilities (AORs) particularly in securing vital installations and other possible targets of the lawless elements.
Eleven (11) Police Regional Office Cordillera (PRO-COR) Police Station received Silver Eagle Award during the Personal Governance System (PGS) Compliance Stage Conferment of Municipal Police Stations (MPS), Police Stations of Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) and Benguet Provincial Police Office this morning at the Masigasing Grand Stand, Camp Bado Dangwa, La Trinidad, Benguet.
By Dexter A. See
