PNP reminds public of prevailing gun ban

PNP spokesperson Police Col. Bernard Banac. INQUIRER file photo

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) reminded the public on Friday of a prevailing gun ban being imposed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) until the end of the election period.

The election period for the recently concluded midterm polls covers January 13 until June 12.

“Nanawagan po tayo sa ating publiko, ang ating paalala muli, na ang gun ban ay patuloy pa ring umiiral hanggang June 12,” PNP spokesperson Police Col. Bernard Banac said in a press conference at Camp Crame.

(We are calling on the public that the gun ban will continue to be implemented until June 12.)

“Hanggang maaari, huwag po tayo magdala ng firearms outside of our residence, at kung ito po ay expired, ay mas maganda po na ipa-temporary safekeeping natin or custody sa ating pinakamalapit na himpilan ng pulisya,” he said.

(As much as possible, let us not carry firearms outside our residence, and if the firearms are expired, it is better to surrender it for safekeeping or custody to the nearest police station.)

Banac said that if gun owners are caught violating the Comelec-imposed gun ban, a case for violation of the Omnibus Election Code will be filed against them.

As of January 13 until June 7, the PNP already has in its custody a total of 5,191 firearms either confiscated in police operations or surrendered by gun owners.

Meanwhile, a total of 49,499 other deadly weapons were also seized during the period, according to Banac. (Editor: Jonathan P. Vicente)

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