Butuan City, April 28 — A total of 45 individuals have been arrested in Caraga region for violating the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) gun ban since its enforcement began on January 12, 2025, according to Police Brigadier General Christopher N. Abrahano, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 13 (PRO-13).
The arrests stem from intensified police operations across the region. Six individuals were apprehended in Butuan City, 23 in the provinces of Agusan, and 16 in the provinces of Surigao.
Authorities also seized an assortment of weapons, including 16 caliber .45 pistols, 15 revolvers, three caliber 9mm pistols, six homemade firearms known locally as paltik, one caliber .22, one shotgun, one Class A light weapon, two replica guns, and three explosives.
“As Election Day draws near, rest assured that our campaign against criminality and loose firearms will be intensified. Let us sustain our momentum by reporting any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station,” said RD Abrahano during a press briefing at Camp Col Rafael C. Rodriguez in Butuan City.
The nationwide gun ban, which remains in effect until June 11, 2025, prohibits anyone from carrying, bearing, or transporting firearms or other deadly weapons in public places, even if the firearm is licensed—unless specifically authorized in writing by the COMELEC.
Violators face severe penalties, including imprisonment of one to six years, permanent disqualification from holding public office, and loss of the right to vote. Foreign nationals found guilty will also be deported after serving their sentence.