Election gun ban violators now 1,931: PNP

MANILA – A total of 1,931 people have been arrested for violating the election gun ban, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Sunday.

In a statement, the PNP said 1,871 of those apprehended were civilians, 35 security guards, 16 police officers, and nine military personnel.

It added that a total of 1,822 police operations yielded 1,490 firearms, 8,188 pieces of ammunition, and 703 deadly weapons.

Citing its latest data, the PNP said the top five regions in terms of the number of arrested violators are the National Capital Region with 654, followed by Central Visayas (212); Central Luzon (126); Calabarzon (203); and Western Visayas (110).

According to Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution No. 10728, the bearing, carrying, or transporting of 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 agency-prescribed 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.

The Philippines is set to hold national and local elections on May 9 this year.