Election gun ban violators reach 2,132

MANILA – A total of 2,132 people have been arrested so far for violating the election gun ban, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Sunday.

In a statement, the PNP said 2,071 of those apprehended were civilians, 38 security guards, 14 police officers, and nine military personnel.

It added that a total of 2,013 police operations yielded 1,643 firearms, 9,300 pieces of ammunition, and 753 deadly weapons.

Citing its latest data, the PNP said the top five regions with the most number of arrested violators are the National Capital Region with 751, followed by Central Visayas (232); Calabarzon (219); Central Luzon (163); and Western Visayas (121).

According to Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution No. 10728, the bearing, carrying, or transporting of firearms or deadly weapons are prohibited outside of the residence and in all public places from January 9 until June 8.

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 one year but not more than six years and shall not be subject to probation.

They also face disqualification from holding public office, deprivation of the right of suffrage, and cancellation or perpetual disqualification from securing a gun license.

On Saturday, PNP Chief, Gen. Dionardo Carlos, said the first day of the 41-day campaign period for the 2022 local elections last Friday was generally peaceful with no major untoward incident reported across the country.

“We hope that this favorable condition will hold for the succeeding days of the campaign period until the last day of the local campaign in May 7, or two days before the 2022 National and Local Elections in May 9,” Carlos said in a statement.

He reminded candidates vying for some 18,000 local elective posts that all campaign activities are prohibited on Holy Thursday and Good Friday, April 14 and 15, 2022, according to the Calendar of Activities for 2022 National and Local Elections passed by the Comelec.

“We express optimism that all security measures put in place by the PNP will produce favorable results to uphold the sovereign will of the Filipino electorate and ensure safe, orderly, honest and peaceful elections on May 9th,” he said. (PNA)