TWENTY-FIVE more individuals, including two security guards, have been arrested for violation of the election gun ban, bringing the total arrests to 343 since the ban took effect on January 9, the PNP said yesterday.
The 25 were arrested in operations in the National Capital Region and the Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Western Visayas, and Eastern Visayas regions and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao conducted on January 22 and 23.
The PNP, in coordination with the Commission on Elections and the Armed Forces, has conducted 38,341 checkpoint operations since the gun ban was implemented at the start of the national and local election period last January 9. The gun ban will end on June 8 when the election period also ends.
The PNP has suspended the validity of all permits to carry firearms outside residence issued to licensed firearms holders, juridical entities and members of government law enforcement agencies amid the gun ban.
Also suspended are permits issued to transport firearms, ammunition, explosives, public firearms display and exhibits, as well as employment of security personnel for VIPs.
Police military personnel and members of government law enforcement agencies in complete uniform and on official duty are allowed to carry firearms during the gun ban period. Policemen not in uniform may also be exempted if they are on intelligence operations or attending to “police emergencies.”
Also exempted from the gun ban are gun holders who have acquired exemptions from the Comelec.
