Arrested violators of election gun ban now at 973 — PNP

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday said a total of 973 people, who violated the gun ban in connection with the 2022 elections, have been arrested.

Based on the PNP data, most of the violators were reported in the National Capital Region with 318 offenders, followed by Central Visayas with 118 and Central Luzon with 116.

The PNP said 937 of the arrested violators were civilians, eight were police personnel, seven were military personnel, and 13 were security guards.

Seized from the violators were 749 firearms, 4,708 pieces of ammunition, and 336 deadly weapons from 855 police operations.

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, the PNP said.

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. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA News