CEBU, Philippines - Statistics show that only three persons so far have been arrested in Talisay City since the Comelec gun ban took effect last January 13.
The gun ban can be more effective if the public supported it, according to Talisay City Police Station chief Superintendent Elmer Lim. Lim said the police are running after gun ban violators but everyone must lift a finger to prevent violence as the May 13 polls near.
However, the political situation in the city is not that hotly contested compared to other cities and municipalities in the province.
In the whole Central Visayas, 139 persons in the whole region have been apprehended in violation of the gun ban.
Of the total figure, the most number of arrested persons come from Cebu Province at 56.
The police have also confiscated 131 high-powered firearms and 115 low-powered firearms as well as 48 various items such as bladed weapons, an air gun, explosives, and a grenade.
The police have been ordered to be strict in implementing the gun ban on PNP, AFP and other government officials and employees.
The police have set up 12,647 checkpoints in the entire region, confiscating 14 firearms and six other items and arrested 18 persons.
The cities of Cebu, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu have adopted the standardized Comelec checkpoint signages while other components cities and municipalities would soon follow suit.
In order to achieve secure and fair elections (SAFE), the PRO 7 conducted an Election Security Workshop in the four provinces in Region 7.
The first was held in Cebu last April 2 followed by Negros Oriental and Siquijor on April 4 and April 5 in Bohol. (FREEMAN)