CENTRAL LUZON COPS ARREST 24 MEN ON 1ST DAY OF ELECTION GUN BAN

BY KEVIN GALANG

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga –Twenty-four persons were arrested by the police on Commission on Elections (Comelec) checkpoints in different parts of Central Luzon during  the first day of the implementation of the election gun ban last Sunday.

Newly-installed Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) director Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said the gun ban violators include five in Bataan, two in Bulacan,  eight in Nueva Ecija, six in Pampanga, and three in Zambales.

According to Fajardo, 314 checkpoints were established in the region, with 2,438 police personnel deployed early Sunday morning to enforce the nationwide Comelec-imposed gun ban.

“I have also reminded our personnel to remain courteous to motorists and strictly follow the general guidelines outlined in our Revised Police Operational Procedures,” she said.

The PRO 3 top cop emphasized the importance of public cooperation with authorities during checkpoint operations and assured everyone that police personnel will adhere to established protocols and uphold citizens’ rights.

She said motorists are reminded to slow down, dim their headlights, turn on cabin lights, and respond promptly when approached by police officers at checkpoints.

Carrying and transportation of firearms, deadly weapons, and explosives are strictly prohibited from January 12 to June 11, 2025, in line with the election period.

The Central Luzon top cop said violators face stringent penalties ranging from one to twelve years of imprisonment.

Prior to his designation as PRO3 director, Fajardo was assigned to this camp from 2011 to 2014. She served as police chief of Lubao and the City of San Fernando.

In 2022, Fajardo became the spokesperson of the Philippine National Police until her assignment as PRO3 director last January 11.

Fajardo is a member of the Philippine National Police Academy Class of 1996.