MABALACAT CITY, Pampanga — A total of 24 individuals were apprehended on Sunday at checkpoints across Central Luzon for violating the election gun ban, police reported.
Brigadier General Jean Fajardo, the newly appointed Central Luzon police director, inspected the confiscated firearms on Monday at Camp Captain Julian Olivas in the City of San Fernando.
The inspection followed her formal assumption of the role, making her the first woman to lead the regional police.
The arrests were distributed across the region: eight in Nueva Ecija, six in Pampanga, five in Bataan, three in Zambales, and two in Bulacan.
Fajardo, who previously held key positions in Pampanga, including stints as Lubao police chief and San Fernando police director, urged police officers to remain impartial during the election period and focus on maintaining peace and order.
The Police Regional Office 3 (PRO 3) announced that 314 checkpoints had been set up across the region, manned by 2,438 police personnel deployed early Sunday morning to enforce the nationwide gun ban, which runs from January 12 to June 11.
“The public’s cooperation during checkpoint operations is crucial,” Fajardo said, assuring that police would follow proper protocols and respect citizens’ rights.
Motorists are advised to slow down, dim their headlights, turn on cabin lights, and cooperate with police at checkpoints.
Fajardo also reminded officers to remain courteous and adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Revised Police Operational Procedures.
She emphasized that the carrying and transport of firearms, deadly weapons, and explosives are strictly prohibited during the election period.