Election gun ban arrests increase to 497 — PNP

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday said that the total number of gun ban violators has increased to 497, following the arrest of 16 more individuals.

According to PNP’s data, the 16 violators, all of which were civilians, were arrested on Saturday, adding up to the total arrests as of Jan. 30, 6:00 a.m.

The PNP also confiscated 11 firearms, nine deadly weapons, and 48 pieces of ammunition during these arrests.

These arrests were made amid the nationwide gun ban imposed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in relation to the upcoming elections, which is set until June 8, 2022.

READ: Gun ban on as election period begins

Campaign periods for national and local candidates will kick off on February 8 and March 25, respectively.

To date, the PNP has put up 39,881 checkpoints across the country to implement the gun ban.

Violators of the gun ban may face jail time of one year up to six years, disqualification to hold public office, and deprivation of the right to vote.

However, regular officers, members and agents of the several agencies are exempted from the gun ban.

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