Arrested violators of election gun ban now at 921 — PNP

The number of people arrested for violating the election gun ban has risen to 921, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Wednesday.

The National Capital Region had 290 offenders, followed by Central Visayas with 117 and Central Luzon with 116, according to latest PNP data.

The PNP said 888 of the arrested violators were civilians, eight were police personnel, five were military personnel, and 12 were security guards.

Confiscated from the violators were 723 firearms, 4,563 pieces of ammunition, and 314 deadly weapons.

A total of 807 operations have been conducted.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec), through Resolution 10728, prohibits the bearing, carrying, or transporting of firearms or deadly weapons outside residence and in all public places from January 9 to June 8.

Law enforcers are exempted from the gun ban as long as they have authorization from the Comelec and they should 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, according to the PNP.

Those found guilty may also face disqualification to hold public office, deprivation of the right of suffrage, and cancellation or perpetual disqualification to secure a gun license. — VBL, GMA News