At least 3,000 arrested for violating gun ban: PNP

March 21, 2019

The Philippine National Police ( PNP) has arrested a total of 3,105 persons including government officials and law enforcers for illegal possession of firearms since the start of the election period on January 13.

On Thursday, Senior Superintendent Bernard Banac, PNP spokesperson, said of the 350, 663 police checkpoints they conducted since January 13, 3,105 were arrested for this offense.

“Arrested were almost 3,000 including civilians, PNP personnel and elected official,” Banac said in a media briefing.

Out of the total, apprehended were 2,924 civilians, 32 police personnel, five from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, 44 government official, two from the Bureau of Jail and Management Penology, 57 security guards, two CAFGUs, three foreign nationals, 23 threat groups, six private armed groups and seven other law enforcement agencies.

A total of 2,603 firearms and 22,930 deadly weapons were confiscated by authorities.

“So overall, the campaign since January 13 until now is peaceful and orderly and we are hoping that this will continue until May 13,” said Banac.

“We are ready to respond on any kind of incident that will happen,” he added.

Though he cannot give data in previous elections, Banac said the situation in the whole country is all right as they recorded around 20 election related incidents in the local area.

“We are expecting that this will not increase so that we can have a peaceful and orderly election,” he added.

He reminded the public a gun ban is being implemented in the whole country. That is why there is no renewal processing for firearms and those who will violate the gun ban will face charges.

“We are reminding responsible gun owners. All youe unlicensed or expired guns should be surrendered to our police stations for temporary custody and safe keeping. You should not hold your (expired) guns but if the license is still valid, just keep it inside you home,” said Banac.

He said they can get their surrendered unlicensed firearms and renew the license after the election.

“All those who will caught on checkpoints will have their license removed and they will not be authorized (to own a gun),” he added.

Even police officers caught with firearms outside official duty will face administrative and criminal charges.

Banac said the PNP remains on heightened alert status. Ella Dionisio/DMS