PNP: Arrested violators of Comelec gun ban now at 943

The Philippine National Police said that a total of 943 individuals have been arrested for violating the election gun ban as of Thursday.

Based on the PNP data, most of the violators were reported in the National Capital Region with 299 offenders, followed by Central Visayas with 118 and Central Luzon with 116.

Likewise, the PNP said that 910 of the arrested violators were civilians, eight were police personnel, five were military personnel, and 12 were security guards.

Confiscated from the violators were 733 firearms, 4,655 pieces of ammunition, and 320 deadly weapons from  827 police operations.

Under Resolution 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 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.

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.

Those found guilty may also face disqualification from holding public office, deprivation of the right of suffrage, and cancellation or perpetual disqualification from securing a gun license. —LBG, GMA News