7 nabbed for gun ban violation nationwide

MANILA, Philippines — Seven persons were arrested in different areas of the country for violating the gun ban on Sunday, the first day of the election period, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The gun ban is being enforced by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in connection with the upcoming May 9 polls.

Among the suspects was Wendell Datoy, 39, who was arrested at a PNP-Comelec checkpoint in Imelda, Zamboanga Sibugay a few hours after the gun ban took effect on Sunday.

A .45-caliber pistol was seized from Datoy, who failed to show documents exempting him from the gun ban, according to Zamboanga peninsula police director Brig. Gen. Franco Simborio.

A few hours later, two minors were held for carrying a gun replica in the nearby town of Ipil.

The minors were on a motorcycle when they were pulled over at a PNP-Comelec checkpoint in Barangay Sanito.

In Metro Manila, police arrested Jerwin Gubaton, 39, at a checkpoint along C4 Road in Navotas City for allegedly carrying a .38-caliber revolver, National Capital Region Police Office chief Maj. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. said.

In Caloocan, police pulled over John Paul Dunlao, 23, for not wearing a helmet.

During inspection, Dunlao was reportedly found carrying a pistol loaded with four bullets.

Police also arrested Barkley Feniquito at a checkpoint in Pililla, Rizal after a handgun was found in his possession during a body frisk.

Another alleged gun ban violator, identified as Jhun Discarten, was arrested for possession of a shotgun in San Mateo, Rizal.

Prior to his arrest, police said Discarten reportedly threatened to shoot a minor.

Apart from a case for violating the gun ban, Discarten will be charged with grave threats, probers said.

“This early, results of our strict implementation of a Comelec resolution prohibiting the carrying of firearms showed the aggressiveness of the police operations against violators of the election law,” PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos said in a statement.

The suspects were held in police detention cells in their respective areas, pending the filing of charges against them.

169 checkpoints in C. Luzon

At least 169 checkpoints manned by 1,300 police officers have been set up in Central Luzon to strictly implement the 150-day gun ban period.

Central Luzon police director Brig. Gen. Matthew Baccay said the public, especially motorists, must cooperate with the officers.

“I also reminded our personnel to be courteous to motorists and adhere to the general guidelines prescribed in our revised police operational procedures,” Baccay said.

Comelec Resolution 10728 prohibits even licensed gun owners from bringing or transporting firearms outside of their homes unless they have been granted exemption.

Gun owners and enthusiasts can apply for exemption until May 25.

Violators face imprisonment ranging from one to six years, the Comelec said. – Ric Sapnu, Roel Pareño