100 arrested in Metro Manila for gun ban violation

MANILA, Philippines - The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has arrested 100 people at checkpoints in Metro Manila for violating the election gun ban since Jan. 10, a police official said on Monday.

NCRPO chief Director Joel Pagdilao said 45 firearms, three hand grenades and 52 bladed weapons were confiscated from the arrested individuals.

Pagdilao said those arrested were charged in court for violating the gun ban imposed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec). The confiscated guns are in the custody of the various police units in the metropolis, he said.

Pagdilao urged the public not to carry firearms in public places as the NCRPO is bent on implementing the gun ban to ensure orderly elections in May.

“I’m appealing to the people not to bring firearms when they go outside their homes because they would be stopped at police checkpoints,” he said.

According to Pagdilao, the penalty for gun ban violation is one year to six years in prison.

The NCRPO has set up 928 checkpoints in Metro Manila. The Quezon City Police District has the most number of checkpoints with 275, followed by the Southern Police District with 266.

The Manila Police District has jurisdiction over 177 checkpoints; Northern Police District, 135, and Eastern Police District, 75.

Pagdilao advised police officers manning checkpoints to strictly follow the Comelec guidelines in implementing the gun ban to prevent complaints from the public.