Nueva Ecija: In Nueva Ecija, the enforcement of a gun ban from August 28 to November 28 has led to the seizure of 187 loose firearms and the arrest of 70 individuals.
According to Philippines News Agency, director of the Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office (NEPPO), the firearms, varying in calibers, were seized through multiple police operations. These operations included Commission on Elections (Comelec) and anti-criminality checkpoints, anti-illegal drugs campaigns, Oplan Sita, police responses, patrolling, anti-gambling initiatives, execution of search warrants, and manhunt operations.
Caballero’s report, delivered on Wednesday, highlighted the confiscation of 26 different explosives, including hand grenades, and 11 bladed or pointed weapons during the three-month period. The 70 individuals apprehended have been charged with violations of the Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines. The report also noted the occurrence of three suspect fatalities during lawful police operations.
An additional 127 firearms of various calibers were recovered through the Philippine National Police’s Balik-Baril program. Caballero emphasized the significant impact of the gun ban in ensuring what he described as the most peaceful election in the history of the province. The Comelec had imposed the gun ban in relation to the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections held on October 30.
In conclusion, Caballero expressed gratitude to the community for their cooperation and assured continued dedication to service in forthcoming elections.
