Gun ban ends; 100 caught violating it in Region 7

The Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 recorded 100 persons who were arrested for violating the Commission on Elections (Comelec) 7 gun ban from April 14 to May 21.

The gun ban was lifted at midnight last Monday, Supt. Reyman Tolentin, PRO 7 spokesperson, said.

“We have confiscated 111 firearms. Confiscated from checkpoints were eight guns and two deadly weapons. The number of firearms recovered during this election period shows that the people tend still to violate the law even if it’s election time,” Tolentin said.

Checkpoints are now conducted as part of routine police operations and will not be supervised anymore by the Comelec, he said.

“For the maintenance of peace and order in the region, if there will be reports that someone is bringing guns and other contraband, checkpoints will be conducted,” Tolentin said.

Licensed gun owners with a Permit To Carry Firearms Outside of Residence can now bring their guns, after the ban was lifted. “Those who have permits to carry firearms can now resume carrying their gun based on the authority of their permit,” he said.

Another prohibition that ended along with the gun ban was that on the transfer of public sector employees, as well as the suspension of any elective official. The use of bodyguards and police escorts by public officials is also allowed again.

One last milestone is ahead in this Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, the filing on or before June 13 of the candidates’ statements of contributions and expenditures.