3K gun ban violators nabbed

MANILA – A total of 2,973 people have been arrested for violating the election gun ban, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Tuesday.

In a statement, the PNP said 2,890 of those apprehended were civilians, 49 security guards, 17 police officers, and 17 military personnel.

It added that a total of 2,850 police operations yielded 2,264 firearms, 11,985 pieces of ammunition, and 1,086 deadly weapons.

Citing its latest data, the PNP said the top five regions with the most number of arrested violators are the National Capital Region (NCR) with 1,114, followed by Calabarzon (329), Central Visayas (313), Central Luzon (273), and Western Visayas (183).

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution 10728 states that bearing, carrying, or transporting firearms or deadly weapons are prohibited outside of the residence and in all public places from January 9 until June 8.

Exempted from the ban are law enforcers but they should have authorization from the Comelec and wear an agencyprescribed uniform while on official duty during the election period.

Violators face imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than six years and shall not be subject to probation.

They also face disqualification from holding public office, deprivation of the right of suffrage, and cancellation or perpetual disqualification from securing a gun license.

In a TV interview on Monday, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said there are a total of 52 election-related violence reported ahead of the May 9, 2022 elections.*