SANTIAGO CITY, Isabela, (PNA) — The Santiago City Police Office (SCPO) is implementing an intensive operation “Oplan Sita” and “Oplan Kontra Boga.”
The implementation of these oplans aimed to curb election related crimes in connection with the October 28 barangay elections.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has declared September 28, 2013 until November 12, 2013 as election period for the 2013 scheduled barangay elections. The election period bans the carrying of firearms in public except the uniformed personnel of the police and Army.
The election period is 30 days before the date of the elections and 15 days after. The filing of candidacy starts on October 15 until October 17.
Police Superintendent Albert Baggayan, SCPO information chief, said the SCPO has apprehended five violators of gun ban.
He advised gun owners who want to carry their firearms outside their residences to secure Comelec permit. Without the necessary permit from the Comelec, not only they will be apprehended and their firearms confiscated, they will also face charges.
Baggayan said the Santiago city police’s established checkpoints were also activated to check motorists plying in major thoroughfares in the city to ensure the maintenance of peace and order. Mobile patrolling were also strengthened.
He said the city police will also be visiting the houses of gun owners whose guns licenses were expired and tell them to surrender their firearms to the police until the necessary licenses are renewed.