410 arrested for violating gun ban

THE total number of people arrested for violating the election gun ban increased to 410, after an additional 17 people were recorded by the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday.

According to the data from the PNP, all of the 17 new violators are civilians.

Taken from them were 20 firearms, 99 ammunition, and five deadly weapons.

The PNP also said that the new violators came from Samar, Cebu, Pampanga, Bulacan, Calabarzon, Central Luzon, Cagayan, Davao, Ilocos, and the National Capital Region.

According to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution No. 10728, the bearing, carrying, or transporting of firearms or deadly weapons are prohibited outside residence and in all public places from January 9 until June 8.

Exempted from the ban are law enforcers but should have authorization from the Comelec and must wear an agency-prescribed uniform while on official duty during the election period.

Those who violate may face imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than six years and shall not be subject to probation. They also face disqualification to hold public office, deprivation of the right of suffrage, and cancellation or perpetual disqualification to secure a gun license.