PNP nabs over 1,000 gun ban violators since BSKE period started

The Philippine National Police is setting up checkpoints in strategic areas to impose the Commission on Elections gun ban in this file photo in 2016. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/ MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

MANILA, Philippines — The number of gun ban violators nationwide has reached over 1,000 since the start of the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) period on August 28, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported on Monday.

PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said arrests climbed from 682 recorded on September 17 to 1,063 on September 28.

“As of 11 p.m. of September 28, we have arrested a total of 1,063, confiscated firearms 654,” Acorda said in a press conference in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

He added that individuals deposited about 1,288 licensed guns for safekeeping, while others surrendered 1,156 unlicensed firearms or those with expired licenses.

Earlier, the PNP warned that arrested individuals would be charged for violating the provision in the Omnibus Election Code, which 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.

Aside from the continued implementation of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban, Acorda said the number of barangays they plan to place under the red category, or areas of grave concern, remains at 246 as of September 20.

Broken down, he reported that 151 barangays are found in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, 60 from Region 8 (Eastern Visayas), and 35 in Region 5 (Bicol Region).

Likewise, the barangays under the orange and yellow categories remain at 1,248 and 1,100, respectively.

Acorda said they have yet to counter-check these figures with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard and submit the list to the Commission on Elections for approval.

JPV/abc