THIRTY-SIX persons were arrested for violation of the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) gun ban in Western Visayas on Sunday, January 20, according to Superintendent Joem Malong, public information officer of Police Regional Office (PRO)- Western Visayas.

Based on the records of PRO- Western Visayas, Bacolod and Negros Occidental have the highest number of violators with 11 each followed by Iloilo province with seven; Aklan and Antique, two each; Capiz, Guimaras, and Iloilo City, one each.

Bacolod has also the most number of firearms confiscated in police operations with eight followed by Negros Occidental with six; Iloilo province, five; and Aklan, Capiz, and Guimaras, one each. No confiscated firearms in Antique.

The regional headquarters also recorded a total of 50 firearms surrendered to the authorities.

Of the total number, Iloilo province has 26; Negros Occidental, 13; Capiz, nine; and Antique, two.

A total of 227 Comelec checkpoints were conducted in one day.

Of the total number, Iloilo province has conducted 90 operations; Capiz province, 34; Bacolod City, 33; Negros Occidental, 30; Antique, 17; Iloilo City, 10; Guimaras province, seven; and Aklan province, six.

There were also three checkpoint operations conducted in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines.