A TOTAL of 3,308 people have been arrested for violating the election gun ban, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Thursday.
The PNP said 3,202 of those apprehended were civilians, 61 security guards, 23 police officers, and 22 military personnel.
A total of 3,101 police operations have also yielded 2,561 firearms, 15,875 pieces of ammunition, and 1,065 deadly weapons.
Citing its latest data, the PNP said the top five regions in terms of the number of arrested violators are the National Capital Region with 1,188, followed by Calabarzon (357); Central Visayas (340); Central Luzon (305); and Western Visayas (195).
According to Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution No. 10728, the bearing, carrying, or transporting of firearms or deadly weapons is prohibited outside of the residence and in all public places from January 9 until June 8.
Exempted from the ban are law enforcers but they should have authorization from the Comelec and wear an agency-prescribed uniform while on official duty during the election period.
Violators face imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than six years and shall not be subject to probation.
They also face disqualification from holding public office, deprivation of the right of suffrage, and cancellation or perpetual disqualification from securing a gun license.
