MANILA – A total of 1,791 persons have been arrested for violating the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Sunday.
Those nabbed include 1,740 civilians, 27 security guards, 15 police officers, and nine military personnel, a statement from the PNP showed.
It added that a total of 1,673 police operations yielded 1,379 firearms, 7,634 pieces of ammunition, and 650 deadly weapons.
Citing its latest data, the PNP said the top five regions in terms of the number of arrested violators are the National Capital Region with 598, followed by Central Visayas -- 189; Central Luzon -- 124; Calabarzon -- 187; and Western Visayas -- 100.
According to Comelec Resolution No. 10728, the bearing, carrying, or transporting of firearms or deadly weapons are prohibited outside of the residence and in all public places from January 9 until June 8.
Exempted from the ban are law enforcers but they should have authorization from the Comelec and wear an agency-prescribed uniform while on official duty during the election period.
Violators 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 from holding public office, deprivation of the right of suffrage, and cancellation or perpetual disqualification from securing a gun license. (PNA)
