PNP: Arrested persons over gun ban violation now at 393

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday said it nabbed 23 new violators of the gun ban in connection with the 2022 elections, which brought the total number of arrested people to 393.

Based on the PNP data, the 23 apprehended people were all civilians.

Seized from them were 20 firearms, 148 ammunition, and five deadly weapons, according to the PNP.

The new violators were arrested in Manila, Batangas City, Nueva Ecija, Las Piñas, Rizal, Iloilo, Antipolo, Pasig, Cebu, Bacolod City, Albay, Lapu-Lapu City, Parañaque, Batangas, Pampanga, Caloocan, and Malabon.

Since the implementation of the gun ban on January 9, a total of 46,570 checkpoint operations have been conducted, the PNP said.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) through Resolution No. 10728 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.—AOL, GMA News