Number of persons arrested for violating Eleksyon 2022 gun ban now at 370 — PNP

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday reported that it has arrested a total of 370 people who have violated the gun ban in connection with the 2022 elections.

Based on the PNP data, 27 new violators, all civilians, were arrested.

Authorities seized 16 firearms, 40 ammunition, and 10 deadly weapons from the new violators, according to the PNP.

The new violators were arrested in Quezon, Rizal, Zamboanga del Sur, Leyte, Cebu City, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Bataan, Cagayan, Sultan Kudarat, Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan, Parañaque, Valenzuela, Malabon, Pasig, Navotas, Manila, and Quezon City.

A total of  42,927 checkpoint operations have been conducted since the implementation of the gun ban on January 9.

Under the Resolution No. 10728, the Commission on Election (Comelec) 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.

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

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. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA News