Over 1,000 gun ban violators arrested

MANILA, Philippines – Over 1,000 gun ban violators have been apprehended since the start of the election period 35 days ago.

Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor said yesterday 1,004 individuals were arrested from Jan. 10 to Feb. 14.

Of those arrested, 965 are civilians, seven are policemen, 10 are government employees, 15 are security guards, five are from other law enforcement agencies and two are members of the Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU).

The PNP confiscated 810 firearms, 9,169 deadly weapons, 30 firearm replicas, 277 bladed or pointed weapons, 43 grenades, nine other explosives and 8,810 bullets.

Because of the increasing number of gun ban violators, the PNP would further intensify the conduct of checkpoints and efforts against loose firearms, which in the past elections were used in committing crimes.

“We will continue to implement the gun ban in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and in compliance with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) resolutions until June 8 after election period,” Mayor said.

Mayor also reminded policemen manning checkpoints of the Comelec to strictly follow the poll body’s guidelines to protect the rights of every citizen.

“Our policemen detailed at checkpoints should remember that all checkpoint areas must be well-lighted, the Comelec signboard is visible and police officers manning the checkpoints should be led by an officer with a rank of at least Inspector,” he said.

Police officers must also be in proper uniform.

“No person may be subjected to a physical or body search in the absence of any reasonable ground. The public is not obliged to open their vehicles’ compartment, trunk or bags,” he added.

Law enforcers who violate the gun ban will face a penalty of not less than one- to six-year imprisonment, dishonorable discharge from public service and forfeiture of all retirement privileges and benefits.

Erring government employees shall be also disqualified from public service.