Gun ban checkpoint nets Nigerian

A Nigerian national was arrested at a Commission on Elections (Comelec) checkpoint in Barangay Ligid-Tipas, Taguig, for possession of illegal drugs, a firearm, and ammunition.

Police reported that the unnamed suspect was found with 3.83 grams of cocaine, 2.8 grams of dried marijuana leaves, a firearm and ammunition.

The arrest was made for violations of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) and Section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code, which pertains to the gun ban.

The Comelec implemented the gun ban on 12 January in preparation for the national and local elections on 12 May. The ban will remain in effect until 11 June.

Unless authorized by the Comelec’s Committee on the Ban on Firearms and Security Concerns, the following are prohibited during the election period: Carrying firearms and deadly weapons outside residence or place of business, and in all public places; engaging the services of security personnel; and transporting firearms and/or their parts, ammunition and/or their components, and explosives and/or their components or controlled chemicals.