Election gun ban violators near 3.5K mark

MANILA – With still less than two weeks before the end of the election period, the number of gun ban violators reached 3,447, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

In a statement on Saturday, the PNP said 3,338 of those apprehended were civilians, 61 security guards, 26 police officers, and 22 military personnel.

A total of 3,239 police operations have also yielded 2,673 firearms, 16,684 pieces of ammunition, and 1,101 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 1,242, followed by Calabarzon (373); Central Visayas (359); Central Luzon (312); and Western Visayas (200).

According to Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution No. 10728, the bearing, carrying, or transporting of firearms or deadly weapons is 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.