Arrested violators of election gun ban now at 567 — PNP

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday said it arrested 21 new violators of the gun ban in connection with the 2022 elections, which brought the total number of arrested people to 567.

Confiscated from them were 21 firearms, 71 ammunition, and nine deadly weapons, according to the PNP.

The new violators were arrested in Quezon City, Manila, Davao City, Bataan, Cagayan, Muntinlupa City, Navotas City, Las Piñas City, Pasig City, Masbate, Laguna, Cebu, San Juan City, Caloocan City, Valenzuela City, and Pasay City.

A total of 3,825 checkpoints have been set up on Tuesday.

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.

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, it added. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA News