More than 200 gun ban violators fall during period of COC filing nationwide

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/ MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

MANILA, Philippines — Authorities arrested more than 200 gun ban violators, including two personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and an elected government official (EGO), during the period of filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) for the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Based on the data from the PNP, the agency’s spokesperson and public information office chief Col. Jean Fajardo said on Sunday its operatives arrested a total of 216 persons from August 28, 12 midnight until September 2, around 11:59 p.m.

Aside from AFP members and EGO, Fajardo said 211 are civilians, and two are security guards.

The data likewise revealed that most apprehended violators are from Metro Manila, or National Capital Region, with 64, followed by San Fernando in Pampanga with 46, and Cebu with 22, among others.

The Commission on Elections implemented the gun ban, prohibiting the unauthorized carrying or transporting of firearms and deadly weapons outside residences, businesses, and public places pursuant to its Resolution No. 10918 last August 28 — the first day of the COC filing — until November 28.

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