Gun ban violators netted

The weeklong checkpoints related to the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections logged at least 216 gun ban violators so far, according to the Philippine National Police on Sunday.

PNP spokesperson and acting Public Information Office chief Col. Jean Fajardo revealed that the 216 violators were apprehended from 28 August until 2 September 2023, adding that of the total violators arrested, most were civilians while two were security guards and two were military personnel.

A total of 130 firearms have been confiscated during the implementation of the gun ban.

The establishment of checkpoints was carried out under Commission on Elections Resolution 10924 to effectively implement the ban on firearms and other deadly weapons during the 90-day election period from 28 August to 29 November.

The resolution prohibits the bearing, carrying, or transporting of firearms or other deadly weapons in public places, including any building, street, park, private vehicle, or public conveyance, or even if licensed to possess or carry the same, unless authorized by the Comelec.

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.