PNP seizes almost 300 firearms, nabs over 400 gun ban violators

COMELEC CHECKPOINT Policemen manage traffic at a Comelec checkpoint in this April 4, 2022 file photo. INQUIRER file photo / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said that it has confiscated almost 300 firearms and arrested over 400 gun ban violators since the filing of the certificates of candidacy (COC) for the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

According to PNP spokesperson and public information office chief Col. Jean Fajardo, 286 small firearms and light weapons were confiscated, and 456 gun ban violators were arrested.

“Sa gun ban po as of 6 a.m. today mayroon na tayong nakumpiska na total na 286 firearms, 273 po diyan ay small firearms at 13 po ay light weapons,” Fajardo told reporters.

(For the gun ban, as of 6 a.m. today, we have confiscated 286 firearms, 273 of which are small firearms and 13 are light weapons.)

On the other hand, of the 456 arrested violators, 441 civilians, nine security guards, two PNP members, two members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, an elected government official, and one citizen armed forces geographical unit active auxiliary.

Earlier, PNP said the arrested individuals were charged with violating the provision in the Omnibus Election Code that prohibits the unauthorized carrying or transporting of firearms and deadly weapons outside residences, businesses, and public places. The ban will take effect until November 29.

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