PNP records over 2,600 election gun ban violators as of Nov. 28

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. (File photo by NIÑO JESUS ORBETA / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines — The number of gun ban violators nationwide has climbed to 2,631 from the start of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan election period last Aug. 28 until Nov. 27 — or two days before the ban ends, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

In a press briefing on Tuesday, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said the number of violators climbed from 1,063 recorded on Sept. 28 to 2,631 recorded on Nov. 27.

“We arrested 2,631 violators. Tomorrow [Nov. 29] is the deadline for the gun ban. About 2,054 firearms were confiscated,” the PNP official said.

She added that this resulted from PNP’s checkpoint operations conducted during the same period.

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Aside from 2,054, a total of 2,725 firearms were deposited by individuals for safekeeping. Those with unlicensed firearms or those with expired licenses surrendered 2,208 guns.

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.

Moreover, Fajardo said the PNP monitored a total of 104 poll-related violence and seven suspected election-related cases.

Meanwhile, 28 cases involved newly-elected barangay officials, 23 of which are under the list of suspected poll-related incidents, while the other five were classified as nonelection-related.

She added that most of these cases happened in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.