PNP: 80 firearms, 539 ammunition seized
THIRTY-ONE individuals have been arrested since Sunday for violation of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban in relation to the coming elections in May, the PNP said yesterday.
The election period for this year’s national and local polls took effect on January 12 and will run until June 11, 2025. During this period, it is prohibited to bear, carry, or transport firearms or other deadly weapons, unless authorized or exempted in writing by the Comelec.
In a press briefing at Camp Crame, Central Luzon police director and concurrent PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said 26 of those who were arrested were civilians, three security guards, one a soldier and another a government employee.
Fajardo said the suspects were apprehended at Comelec checkpoints which were established during the weekend and during the conduct of other law enforcement operations.
The Central Luzon regional police office said that of the 25 persons apprehended in the region for gun ban violation, 14 were collared in Nueva Ecija and Pampanga.
Fajardo said 80 assorted firearms were seized throughout the country, including 19 in Central Luzon, 14 in Cagayan Valley, and nine in Western Visayas.
The police also seized 539 assorted ammunition.
Fajardo credited the confiscation of 19 firearms in Central Luzon to field commanders who she said did their job well in implementing the Comelec gun ban.
“Just imagine if these 19 firearms (in Central Luzon) were able to pass through these checkpoints. These could have been used as instruments of crimes, (in the) perpetration of illegal schemes,” “ she said.
Elections chairman George Garcia slammed those who opt to violate the ban on carrying firearms outside their residences sans any authorization from the poll body.
In a press briefing, Garcia expressed dismay over the high number of gun ban violators despite their repeated appeals to follow the law.
“It is unfortunate that many are still being stubborn despite our massive information drive as they continue to carry their firearms outside their residences even though their licenses are suspended,” he said.
“Many are really being stubborn despite our repeated calls. They continue to choose to violate the law,” he stressed.
The Comelec-Gun Ban and Security Concerns Committee has exempted 1,131 individuals from the ban.
Applications for exemptions are still being accepted by the poll body.
Garcia urged those with pending applications for exemptions to wait for the Comelec’s approval before going out with their firearms.
He warned that those who will be caught carrying firearms without exemptions from the Commission may face two cases.
“You may face an election offense case and violation of the firearms law,” he said.
COURTEOUS
“I have also reminded our personnel to remain courteous to motorists and strictly follow the general guidelines outlined in our Revised Police Operational Procedures (when manning checkpoints),” Fajardo said.
On Sunday, PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said 1,472 Comelec checkpoints, which are manned by policemen and soldiers, have been so far established across the country.
Asked if these checkpoints will be established on a 24/7 basis, Fajardo said: “That depends on the security assessment (of commanders on the ground.”
She said more Comelec security points may be established, especially in areas where there are intense political rivalry and election-related violent incidents. – With Gerard Naval
