MANILA, Philippines — The number of people arrested for violating the nationwide gun ban imposed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for the coming May polls climbed to 250 as of yesterday, according to the Philippine National Police.
PNP public information office chief Col. Randulf Tuano said that of the figure, 46 were apprehended at Comelec checkpoints nationwide, including 25 in Metro Manila.
The rest were arrested as a result of other law enforcement operations.
Among those arrested were 10 security guards, two members of the military and two employees of other law enforcement agencies.
The rest are civilians, including two foreigners who were caught in Metro Manila and Mimaropa.
Police units across the country have seized 249 firearms, including 115 revolvers. Six explosives were also confiscated.
Up to 60,778 Comelec checkpoints have been established since the election period started on Jan. 12.
Tuano reminded gun owners that they are prohibited from carrying their firearms during the election period, even if they bring with them their permits to carry firearms outside of residence
(PTCFOR).
“Carrying of firearms outside residences is suspended even if the carrier has a PTCFOR, except those mentioned in a resolution issued by the Comelec,” Tuano said in a news briefing at Camp Crame yesterday.
He said security guards should turn over their issued firearms to the next guards on duty after completing their shifts.
Meanwhile, a 54-year-old man was arrested for violating the gun ban in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan on Monday.
Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, Central Luzon police director, said a concerned citizen informed the police that a man was carrying a gun in Barangay Paradise 3.
Responding members of the 301st Bulacan Mobile Company seized from the suspect an improvised shotgun without serial number.
The suspect is detained at the San Jose del Monte police station.
Firearms seized in BARMM
On the same day, the military recovered 19 high-powered firearms left behind by armed men in Pahamudin, North Cotabato.
The province is included in the special geographical areas of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, which is set to conduct its first parliamentary elections in May.
The recovery of the firearms prompted the Western Mindanao Command to intensify checkpoints in the area as several armed men had violated the election gun ban.
Lt. Col. Edgardo Batinay, chief of the Army’s 34th Infantry Battalion, said the recovery of the firearms came after villagers reported the presence of armed men in Barangay Lower Panangkalan.
Batinay said the group fled after sensing the arrival of the military, leaving behind their firearms. — Ric Sapnu, Roel Pareño, John Unson