EIGHT persons were arrested for violation of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban in Bacolod City from April 14 to 23.
The first gun ban violator was Alex Mendis, 39, of La Salle Ville Subdivision, Barangay Mansilingan. He was caught in possession of a 10-inch jungle knife and 12-inch scythe upon entering the Panaad Park and Stadium on April 14.
Also arrested were Emon Degamo, Jason Cordova, Walter Pipus, Daryl Espino, Jojjie Sambilad, Geron Dela Cruz, and a police officer, who was involved in a traffic altercation with a man. The violators yielded firearms and bladed weapons.
Senior Inspector Armilyn Vargas, public information officer of Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), said some of the violators were arrested within the area of Barangay Mansilingan during the 25th Panaad sa Negros Festival, while others were collared outside the said village and venue.
Meanwhile, the recently-concluded celebration was generally peaceful, with no major incidents reported compared to last year.
The success of this year’s Panaad sa Negros Festival can be attributed to the cooperation and full support given by other government agencies, stakeholders, and the general public.