Violators of election-related gun ban arrested by police has reached 497, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported on Sunday.
The PNP said 16 civilians were arrested for the gun-ban such violation during routine inspections conducted at more than 3,000 Commission on Elections (Comelec) checkpoints.
PNP Public Information Office chief Police Brigadier General Roderick Alba also said police confiscated 11 firearms, nine deadly weapons, and 48 pieces of ammunition.
Under Resolution No. 10728, the poll body prohibits “the bearing, carrying, or transporting of firearms or deadly weapons outside residence and in all public places from January 9 until June 8.”
The PNP said members of the police force are exempted from the gun ban.
However, PNP personnel should have authorization from the Comelec and should be wearing their uniforms while on official duty during the election period.
Gun-ban violators could face imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than six years and shall not be subject to probation, the PNP said.
PNP chief, Gen. Dionardo Carlos, meanwhile is reminding candidates for the May elections and their supporters to abide by the campaign rules set by the Comelec as supported by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
“It will be an unprecedented campaign season so we hope that the candidates will set an example to the public of how they should obey
our campaign guidelines,” he added in a statement.
Comelec Resolution No.10732 issued in November last year institutionalizes the new normal in conducting physical campaigns, rallies, meetings, and other related activities based on the alert level being implemented in a certain area.
Minimum public health standards will be observed as prescribed by the Department of Health.
The prohibited acts under the in-person activities include entering private dwelling for house-to-house campaigning even with the owner’s permission, crowding, handshaking or other forms of physical contact, taking selfies or photographs, that require proximity among people, and distributing food and drinks. The same goes for bigger campaign events.
“Our police personnel shall exercise vigilance in monitoring election-related activities while maintaining our being apolitical,” Carlos said.
The PNP also asked the public to help in reporting violations of the campaign provisions.
The campaign period will begin on February 8 for national candidates and on March 25 for local candidates.