1,307 arrested for gun ban violation

Police have arrested 1,307 gun ban violators and seized some 1,105 firearms and 12,739 deadly weapons since the election period started 42 days ago, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said yesterday.

Of those arrested from Jan. 10 until yesterday, there were 1,258 civilians, 10 policemen, three soldiers, 19 security guards, 13 government officials, a fireman, two members of the Citizens Armed Force Geographical Units and five members of other law enforcement agencies.

Police seized 438 pistols, 313 revolvers, 63 rifles, 97 shotguns, 54 light weapons; 140 improvised, and 50 gun replicas, 368 pointed weapons, 59 hand grenades, 65 explosives and 12,197 assorted bullets.

Police will set up more checkpoints and intensify the search for loose firearms as the May election is fast approaching, according to Chief Superintendent Wilben Mayor, PNP spokesman. “We will continue to implement the gun ban in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and in compliance with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) resolutions until June 8,” he said.

Mayor reminded policemen manning checkpoints to strictly follow the Comelec guidelines to protect the rights of every citizen.

“Our policemen detailed at checkpoints should remember that all checkpoint areas must be well-lighted, the Comelec signboard is visible and police officers manning the checkpoints should be led by an officer with a rank of at least Inspector,” he said.

Police officers must also be in proper uniform, Mayor said.

“No person may be subjected to a physical or body search in the absence of any reasonable ground,” he said. “The public is not obliged to open their vehicles’ compartment, trunk or bags.”

Law enforcers violating the gun ban will face a penalty of not less than one to six years’ imprisonment, dishonorable discharge from public service and forfeiture of all retirement privileges and benefits. –