Arrested election gun ban violators now at 1,085 –PNP

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has, so far, arrested 1,085 people for violating the Eleksyon 2022 gun ban.

Based on the PNP data, most of the violators were reported in the National Capital Region with 356 offenders, followed by Central Visayas with 140, and Central Luzon with 121.

The PNP said 1,048 of the arrested violators were civilians, eight were police officers, seven were military personnel, and 13 were security guards.

Confiscated from the violators in 855 police operations were 832 firearms, 5,141 rounds of ammunition, and 382 deadly weapons.

Under Resolution 10728, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) prohibits the bearing, carrying, or transporting of firearms or deadly weapons outside the 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. They should also wear an 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. — DVM, GMA News