Gun ban nets 74 violators in Metro

Metro Manila policemen have arrested 74 people, including two policemen, for violating the gun ban being enforced nationwide by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

In a statement issued the other day, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said that the 74 individuals were accosted between Jan. 10 and 22.

During this period, the five Metro police districts—Eastern Police District, Southern Police District, Northern Police District, Manila Police District and the Quezon City Police District—set up a total of 708 checkpoints throughout the metropolis.

“The [conduct of checkpoints] is in support [of] the gun ban imposed by the Comelec for safe and fair elections…” NCRPO chief Director Joel Pagdilao said.

Aside from 34 firearms, also seized from the violators were a hand grenade and 38 bladed weapons.

“I am reminding the public that the gun ban is still being implemented. Avoid bringing [guns] and other weapons… to avoid sanctions,” Pagdilao said.

According to him, those arrested face a jail term ranging from one to six years. On the other hand, lawmen caught violating the election gun ban may be dishonorably discharged from the service and forfeit their retirement benefits. As for government workers, they could be perpetually barred from government service, Pagdilao added.

Based on Comelec Resolution No. 10015, no person shall bear, carry or transport firearms or other deadly weapons in public places, including any building, street, park, private vehicle or public conveyance, even if licensed to possess or carry the same, unless authorized in writing by the poll body.

During the election period between Jan. 10 until June 8, “only regular members of the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other law enforcement agencies of the government who are duly deputized in writing by the [Comelec] for election duty may be authorized to carry and possess firearms….”

As part of security measures, the police and military will set up checkpoints under the supervision of the poll body to implement the gun ban and prevent election-related violence.

One of those arrested for violating the gun ban was PO1 Michael Sean Tabarangao who was drunk when he threatened to shoot a neighbor in Navotas City on Jan. 16.

The policeman used to be with the Eastern Police District but was placed under the NCRPO holding unit after being charged with illegally firing his gun in December 2014 during a fight with another neighbor.

Tabangarao now faces attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms and violation of the election gun ban.

Another NCRPO policeman, PO1 Marvin Granada, was apprehended at a checkpoint on Dagupan Street in Tondo, Manila, while carrying his 9-mm pistol.

On the other hand, businessman Peter Mark Chua was arrested for pointing his firearm at another motorist during a traffic altercation at the corner of Dapitan and E. Quintos Streets in Manila, also on Jan. 16.

He was later charged with grave threats, resistance and disobedience to persons in authority and violation of the election gun ban.