In Negros Oriental, two individuals were apprehended this week for breaching the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) gun ban, according to a police spokesperson on Tuesday. Lt. Stephen Polinar from the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO) reported that the arrests occurred on separate occasions Monday night. One suspect was detained at a checkpoint, while the other was arrested following a police assistance call after allegedly discharging a firearm. These incidents have increased the total number of gun ban violators arrested in the province to five since the election period began on January 12. Polinar mentioned that three complaints have been lodged for gun ban violations and illegal firearm possession under Republic Act 10591. In Sta. Catalina town, a 45-year-old man was arrested around 11:30 p.m. after a barangay captain reported seeing him with a firearm. A .38 caliber revolver without proper documentation was seized from him. Simultaneously, in Bais City, a 50-year-old resident of Mabinay was arrested at a checkpoint manned by police and soldiers from the 11th Infantry Battalion. Authorities confiscated an undocumented .45 caliber handgun, two magazines, and eight rounds of ammunition from him. Both individuals face charges for violating the Comelec gun ban and illegally possessing firearms and ammunition.
