Close to 3,000 gun ban violators arrested so far – PNP

COMELEC CHECKPOINT Policemen from Marikina City conduct a checkpoint near Tumana Bridge, April 4, 2022. Comelec checkpoints are set up to implement the poll body’s gun ban and enforce stricter security during the election period. | INQUIRER PHOTO / NINO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines — With the 2022 national and local elections just days away, the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday, reported the arrest of 2,934 individuals so far for violating the nationwide gun ban.

Based on the PNP’s data, the total arrests involved 2,827 civilians, 17 police officers, 17 military personnel, 47 security officers and 26 “uncategorized.”

Meanwhile, a total of 2,242 firearms were confiscated, along with 11,892 rounds of ammunition.

A total of 1,070 deadly weapons were also confiscated by the police.

In terms of the number of incidents, Metro Manila continues to lead with the most at 1,035, followed by Central Visayas with 332, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon) with 313, Central Luzon with 210, and Western Visayas with 173 total incidents.

Metro Manila also continues to lead with the most number of arrests at 1,099, followed by Calabarzon with 326, Central Visayas with 309, Central Luzon with 270, and Western Visayas with 174.

The nationwide gun ban was implemented per the Commission on Election (Comelec) Resolution 10728. It took effect on Jan. 9 and will be enforced until June 8, 2022.

All permits to carry firearms outside of residence are suspended during the gun ban, with the exception of uniformed members of the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other law enforcement agencies.

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

/MUF