PNP: 242 arrested for violating election gun ban

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has arrested as of Friday a total of 242 people for violating the gun ban in connection with the May 2022 elections.

Based on the PNP data, 20 new violators were nabbed on Friday. 

Confiscated from these violators were 14 firearms, 116 ammunition, and four deadly weapons, according to the PNP.

The new violators were reported from Mandaue City, Ormoc City, Eastern Samar, Catbalogan City, Makati City, Pasig City, Taguig City, Parañaque City, Manila, and Bulacan.

A total of 38,276 checkpoint operations have been conducted since the implementation of the gun ban on January 9.

On Thursday, 24 new violators were reported, and 21 on Wednesday.

The Commission on Election (Comelec) has issued Resolution No. 10728 that prohibits the bearing, carrying, or transporting of firearms or deadly weapons outside residence and in all public places until June 8.

Law enforcers are exempted from the gun ban as long as they have authorization from the Comelec and wear agency-prescribed uniform while on official duty during the election period.

According to the PNP, violators may face imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than six years and shall not be subject to probation.

The guilty party may also face disqualification to hold public office, deprivation of the right of suffrage and cancellation or perpetual disqualification to secure gun license. —LBG, GMA News