BAGUIO CITY – The Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) warned the public against violating pertinent laws and regulations governing the implementation of the gun ban and other election-related regulations during the remaining days of the election period before and beyond the May 12, 2025 mid-term election.
BCPO City Director Police Col. Ruel Tagel said that the gun ban being implemented by the local police force that took effect on January 12, 2025 remains in full force and effect until June 11, 2025 and the public must be guided on this matter as its implementation will be intensified as the election day nears.
He added that the arrest of gun ban violators is one of the strategic measures to ensure the peaceful and orderly conduct of the elections which is part of the mandate of the country’s law enforcement agencies.
The BCPO official claimed that the local police force will continue to strictly enforce and monitor the implementation of the gun ban pursuant to the mandate imposed by the Commission on Election (COMELEC) and other election-related laws, rules and regulations as part of their commitment in maintaining law and order in the city.
“We encourage everyone to report any suspicious activities or violations as we work together to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process and the overall safety of our community,” Tagel stressed.
He pointed out that those found violating various laws, rules and regulations related to peace and order will surely face the consequences of their illegal acts and will face the full force of the law.
Earlier, alert law enforcers arrested a 35-year old business man found in violation of the gun ban at Abanao-Zandueta-Chugum-Kayang-Otek (AZCKO) barangay last Saturday.
The arrest was effected after police personnel were informed by concerned citizens that the suspect was in alleged possession of a firearm inside his vehicle.
Upon receiving the information, police personnel immediately proceeded to the area where the suspect’s vehicle was parked where they were able to recover a .9mm Glock pistol loaded with a magazine containing 10 rounds of live ammunition upon verification.
The firearm was covered with a license but the suspect failed to present the requisite permit to carry firearm outside residence and a certificate of authority from the COMELEC which are required by the poll body when in possession of a firearm during the election period. By Dexter A. See
