TWENTY-FIVE civilians were arrested for illegal possession of firearms during the first day of the gun period in line with the midterm elections on May, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported on Monday. In a press briefing, PNP chief Director General Oscar D. Albayalde said the police conducted 4,447 checkpoint operations nationwide on Sunday. “As of 12:00 midnight last night, we have conducted an accumulated 4,447 checkpoint operations resulting in the arrest of 25 persons and the confiscation of 27 Firearms, 168 rounds of ammunition, seven bladed weapons, 22 gun replica, 70 sachets of suspected ‘shabu,’ and 2 glass pipe with suspected ‘marijuana,’” said Mr. Albayalde to reporters. The gun ban period, which will end until June 12, also covers the upcoming plebiscite for the Bangsamoro Organic Law on Jan. 21 and Feb. 6.
HOTSPOTS
Meanwhile, the PNP also identified 19 election hotspots. These are: Sudipen and Balaoan in La Union; Jones, Isabela; Lemery and Roxas in Batangas; Balud and Dimasalang in Masbate; Daraga, Albay; Pagadian and Cagayan de Oro City in Misamis Oriental; Hajji Muhammad Ajul, Lantaoan and Tipo-Tipo in Basilan; Marawi City and Sultan Dumalondong in Lanao del Sur; Mamasapano, Sharrif Aguak, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, and Dati Unsai in Maguindanao. — Vince Angelo C. Ferreras

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