44 nabbed for gun ban violation in Ilocos

CAMP FLORENDO – At least 44 people have been arrested and 30 deadly weapons seized in the Ilocos region since the election gun ban was implemented on Jan. 9.

Chief Superintendent Ericson Velasquez, acting police director for Ilocos region, on Friday said 41 of those arrested were civilians, two government employees and a police officer.

Velasquez said among the seized items were nine high-powered firearms and four grenades.

He said 29 were arrested in Pangasinan and five each in La Union, Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte.

“We are expecting more arrests as we increase our efforts and implement Lambat-Sibat and other anti-crime measures… This is to ensure safe and secure elections in Region 1,” Velasquez said.