By MA. THERESA LADIAO

Authorities in Western Visayas have intensified efforts to enforce the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban, leading to 57 arrests and the seizure of 56 firearms and six gun replicas across the region.

From January 12 to February 23, police units across the six provinces and two highly urbanized cities in the region conducted strict security operations to curb election-related violence.

The highest number of arrests came from the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, which apprehended 17 individuals, followed by the Iloilo Police Provincial Office with 11.

Capiz recorded nine arrests, Bacolod City had seven, while Antique, Aklan, Guimaras, and Iloilo City had fewer cases.

Police Brigadier General Jack Wanky, director of the Police Regional Office 6, credited the success of the operation to the coordinated efforts of all police units and the Joint Security Control Center member agencies.

Wanky emphasized the importance of upholding proper police procedures and treating the public with courtesy during Comelec checkpoint operations.

The gun ban, enforced under Republic Act No. 7166 and Comelec Resolution No. 11067, is part of nationwide security measures to prevent violence during the election period.

Authorities continue to warn against illegal possession of firearms and remind the public to comply with regulations to ensure safe and orderly elections./ML, WDJ