PNP: Arrested violators of Comelec gun ban now at 410

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday said 17 persons were recently arrested for violating the gun ban in connection with the 2022 elections, which brought the total number of arrested people to 410.

Based on the PNP data, the 17 new violators were all civilians.

Seized from them were 20 firearms, 99 ammunition, and five deadly weapons, according to the PNP.

The new violators were arrested in Samar, Cebu, Pampanga, Bulacan, Calabarzon, Central Luzon, Cagayan, Davao, Ilocos, and the National Capital Region.

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution No. 10728 prohibits the bearing, carrying, or transporting of firearms or deadly weapons outside residence and in all public places from January 9 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. —LBG, GMA News