TWO men were arrested by operatives of San Enrique Municipal Police Station for violating the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban in Sitio Nasunugan, Barangay Batuan, on Sunday morning, May 11, 2025.
Police identified the suspects as Ronie Gonzales, 32, and Aljun Gonzales, 33, both laborers and residents of Sitio Pasil, Barangay Tabao Baybay.
Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) records showed personnel of San Enrique Municipal Police Station responded to the information provided by the concerned citizen about the presence of the two suspects who were seen carrying unidentified firearms in Sitio Nasunugan around 1:28 a.m.
Police recovered from the suspects’ possession a caliber .45 Colt pistol, two magazine assemblies for caliber .45, 15 live ammunition for caliber .45, a .357 Smith and Wesson revolver, 25 live ammunition for .357 caliber, a handheld radio, and a holster pouch.
The police said they are still conducting a thorough investigation to determine the background of the suspects.
The suspects are detained at the custodial facility of San Enrique Municipal Police Station. They will be charged for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act in relation to Comelec Resolution No. 11067 or the gun ban.
The gun ban, effective from January 12 to June 11, 2025, aims to ensure peace and order during the May 12 elections. During this period, only members of the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other law enforcement agencies in prescribed uniforms performing official duties are permitted to carry firearms. (MAP)