216 violators arrested as PNP steps up gun ban implementation for barangay polls
A total of 216 people, including two members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and an elected government official, were arrested since the gun ban was implemented on Aug. 28, the Philippine National Police (PNP) disclosed on Sunday, Sept. 3.
PNP chief information officer Col. Jean Fajardo said almost all of those arrested were civilians with 211 while two security guards were also collared.
Most of those who were arrested were in Metro Manila with 64, followed by Central Luzon with 46 and Central Visayas with 22.
The gun ban is part of the security measures for the barangay and Sagguniang Kabataan (SK) elections on Oct. 30.
Thousands of checkpoints were set up across the country to reinforce the gun ban implementation which has so far resulted in the confiscation of 130 firearms.
The establishment of checkpoints was based on Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution No. 10924 to effectively implement the ban on firearms and other deadly weapons during the 90-day election period from Aug. 28 to Nov. 29.
The resolution prohibits the bearing, carrying, or transporting of firearms or other deadly weapons in public places, including any building, street, park, private vehicle, or public conveyance, or even if licensed to possess or carry the same, unless authorized by the Comelec.
Exempted from the ban are law enforcers but they should have authorization from the Comelec and wear an agency-prescribed uniform while on official duty during the election period.
Violators face imprisonment of not less than a year but not more than six years and shall not be subject to probation.
They also face disqualification from holding public office, deprivation of voting rights and cancellation or perpetual disqualification from securing a gun license.