Arrested election gun ban violators now at 444 —PNP

The number of people arrested due to violation of the election gun ban rose to 444 after 34 new violators were apprehended, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Friday.

Based on the PNP data, the 34 new violators were all civilians.

Confiscated from them were 20 firearms, 118 ammunition, and 13 deadly weapons, according to the PNP.

The new batch of violators were arrested in Sultan Kudarat, Laguna, Cebu, Capiz, Masbate, Cebu City, Davao Occidental, Pangasinan, Mandaluyong, Valenzuela, Muntinlupa, Manila, Pasig, Navotas, Bulacan, Caloocan, Quezon City, and Albay.

According to the PNP, 4,819 daily checkpoints were set up.

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

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

If proven guilty, the violators 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