Arrested gun ban violators now at 1,695 – PNP

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MANILA, Philippines — The total number of arrested persons for violation of the nationwide gun ban in connection with the coming national elections have reached 1,695 on Wednesday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

Based on the latest data from the PNP, among the arrested were 1,631 civilians, 15 police officers, nine military personnel, 26 security officers and 14 other uncategorized violators.

From the arrests, a total of 1,322 firearms were also confiscated along with 7,320 rounds of ammunition, and 608 deadly weapons.

Metro Manila continues to lead the list with the most number of arrests at 607, followed by Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon) with 186, Central Visayas with 181, Central Luzon with 171, and Western Visayas with 88.

The nationwide gun ban will be enforced until June 8, 2022 as ordered by Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution 10728.

Under the said resolution, 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 year up to six years, disqualification from 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, but must be fully uniformed while carrying their weapons.

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