QUEZON CITY, (PIA) -- Sixty five violators were arrested one week after the implementation of the election gun ban, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) reported.

Based on NCRPO’s monitoring, a total of 1,319 checkpoint operations were conducted, from August 28 to September 4, 2023. The operations resulted in the arrest of 65 persons, with three personalities arrested at checkpoints, and the rest were arrested during police patrol response and NCRPO’s ‘Oplan Sita.’

Likewise, 16 recovered firearms were recorded including short firearms 23 others like ‘sumpak,’ replica and ‘paltik.’ A total of 196 other deadly weapons were also confiscated.

NCRPO chief Police Brigadier General Jose Melencio S. Nartatez, Jr. said that police personnel are deployed in different areas of Metro Manila to monitor, inspect, and strictly implement the gun ban.                                      

Nartatez reiterated that all kinds of firearms, even with license and permit to carry will not be allowed to be brought outside the owner’s residence during the imposition of the gun ban.He likewise advised personnel of law enforcement agencies to wear their proper uniforms to avoid getting into trouble. Violators will be dealt with accordingly.

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Resolution No. 10728 prohibits unauthorized firearms and bodyguards ahead of the elections.

The resolution bans bearing, carrying, or transporting firearms or deadly weapons outside residences or place of business, and in all public places from August 28 until November 29, 2023, a month after the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataaan Elections (BSKE) on October 30, 2023.

Under the resolution, only members of the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Philippine Coast Guard, and other members of other law enforcement agencies are exempted from the gun ban, with proper authorization from COMELEC and in their prescribed uniforms while performing official duty during the election period. (NCRPO/PIA-NCR)