By Alexander Lopez
BUTUAN CITY – The Police Regional Office in the Caraga Region (PRO-13) has reported the arrest of 45 individuals for violating the ongoing gun ban, which is implemented to ensure the safety and security of the midterm elections next month.
These arrests occurred between Jan. 12, the commencement date of the gun ban, and the last week of April 2025.
“As Election Day approaches, we are committed to intensifying our campaign against criminality and the proliferation of loose firearms,” PRO-13 Director Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano said in a press release on Monday.
Abrahano also appealed to residents of the Caraga Region to cooperate with law enforcement by reporting any suspicious individuals or activities to the nearest police station.
Data provided by PRO-13 revealed that the apprehended violators were distributed across the region: six in Butuan City, 23 in the provinces of Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur, and 16 in the provinces of Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur.
The confiscated firearms included 16 caliber .45 pistols, 15 revolvers, three caliber 9mm pistols, six homemade firearms (locally known as ‘paltik’), one caliber .22 rifle, one shotgun, and one Class A light weapon. Additionally, three explosives were confiscated from the arrested individuals during this period.
In the same statement, PRO-13 reminded the public that the gun ban, which remains in effect until June 11, 2025, strictly prohibits the bearing, carrying, or transporting of firearms or other deadly weapons in public places, regardless of licensing status, unless specifically authorized in writing by the Commission on Elections.
“Violators of this ban will face severe penalties, including imprisonment ranging from one to six years, permanent disqualification from holding public office, and the loss of voting rights. Foreign nationals found in violation will be deported after serving their prison sentences,” PRO-13 said. (PNA)
