MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported on Friday that 973 violators have been nabbed over a month since the gun ban for the May 9 elections took effect.
Based on the most recent data of police force, the National Capital Region has the most apprehended violators with 290, followed by Calabarzon with 91, Central Visayas with 71, and Western Visayas with 53.
There are 945 civilians, 13 security guards, eight police officers, and seven military personnel among those apprehended.
There were 749 firearms, 4,708 pieces of ammunition, and 336 lethal weapons seized from 855 police operations.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution No. 10728 indicates that bearing, carrying, or transporting of firearms or deadly weapons are prohibited outside of residence and in all public places from January 9 until June 8.
Law enforcers are exempt from the restriction, although they must obtain permission from the Comelec and wear an agency-prescribed uniform while on official duty during the election period.
Violator could be imprisoned of not less than one year but not more than six years and shall not be subject to probation.
They may also face disqualification from holding public office, deprivation of the right to vote, and cancellation or permanent disqualification from obtaining a gun license.
