MANILA, Philippines — A total of 1,470 gun ban violators have so far been arrested, the Philippine National Police (PNP) the announced on Sunday.
The PNP said that the gun ban imposed for the 2022 national elections has resulted in the arrest of 1,417 civilian violators, 12 police officers, nine military personnel, and 19 security officers and 13 other uncategorized violators.
A total of 1,128 firearms were confiscated along various ammunition and 526 deadly weapons.
Most of the arrests were recorded within Metro Manila (508), followed by Central Visayas (152), Calabarzon (157), Central Luzon (156), and Western Visayas (80).
The nationwide gun ban currently imposed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for the national and local elections, is in effect until June 8, 2022, under Comelec Resolution 10728.
Hence, all permits to carry firearms outside of residence have been suspended except for regular members of the PNP, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other law enforcement agencies who are deputized in writing by the Comelec.
Violators of the gun ban may also face jail time of one to six years, disqualification to hold public office, and deprivation of the right to vote.
Regular officers, members, and agents of several agencies, however, are exempted from the said order prohibiting the use and carrying of firearms.
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