PNP: 343 arrested for Eleksyon 2022 gun ban violation

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said it has arrested a total of 343 people who have violated the gun ban in connection with the 2022 elections.

Based on the PNP data, 25 new violators were nabbed including 23 civilians and two security guards.

Confiscated from these violators were 16 firearms, 43 ammunition, and nine deadly weapons, according to the PNP.

The new violators were reported from Marawi City, Taguig City, Leyte, and Tacloban City, as well as from some areas in Eastern Visayas, Western Visayas, Central Luzon, Cagayan, Ilocos, and Metro Manila.

A total of  38,341 checkpoint operations have been conducted since the implementation of the gun ban on January 9.

The Commission on Election (Comelec) has issued Resolution No. 10728 that prohibits the bearing, carrying, or transporting of firearms or deadly weapons outside residence and in all public places 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.

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.

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. — RSJ, GMA News