A male teenager was arrested by operatives of Police Station 7 for violating the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban at Zone 5, Abada Escay, Barangay Vista Alegre, Bacolod City, at about 4:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 25.
Police identified the suspect as Alias Rainel, 18, a resident of KMark Zone, Abada Escay, Barangay Vista Alegre.
According to Bacolod City Police Office records, officers from Police Station 7 were conducting a roving patrol when they spotted the suspect carrying a .45 caliber replica firearm with a magazine.
Recovered from Rainel's possession were a .45 caliber replica firearm with a magazine, a self-sealing plastic bag containing suspected dried marijuana leaves, and a disposable lighter.
The suspect is currently detained at the custodial facility of Police Station 7 and faces charges under Republic Act (RA) 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, and RA 7166, the election 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)