FILE PHOTO: Police officers at a Comelec checkpoint, which are set up to implement the poll body’s gun ban and enforce stricter security during the election period, in this file photo taken on April 4, 2022. INQUIRER file photo / NINO JESUS ORBETA
MANILA, Philippines — Over 600 election gun ban violators have so far been arrested nationwide ahead of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported on Monday.
From 456 last week, PNP spokesperson and Public Information Office chief Col. Jean Fajardo said the police force has so far collared 682 gun ban violators.
“As of 11 p.m. of September 17 ay 682 na po naaresto, ang ating nakumpiskang baril ay nasa 422 na po,” Fajardo told reporters in a press briefing on Monday.
(As of 11 p.m. of September 17, we were able to arrest 682 violators and confiscate 422 firearms.)
The PNP added that 663 guns have been deposited with the Firearms and Explosives Office for safekeeping, while 532 owners with expired gun licenses surrendered their weapons.
According to the PNP, gun ban violators will be charged with violation of provisions of the Omnibus Election Code, which prohibits the unauthorized carrying or transporting of firearms and deadly weapons outside residences, businesses, and public places.
The gun ban will take effect until November 29.