Gun ban violations rise as campaign period nears

Three days before the official start of the campaign period for national candidates, the number of violators of the nationwide gun ban imposed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) last month continues to rise, police records show. Based on official government records as of Saturday, a total of 678 gun ban violators have been caught by authorities since the prohibition on guns and other explosives took effect on January 9. Of this number, 573 are civilians, 48 are policemen, 30 are government employees and 27 are soldiers. A total of 555 firearms – 248 of which are high-powered weapons, have already been confiscated since the gun ban took effect, police records show. Also seized were 118 bladed weapons and 761 replica firearms. Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Chief Superintendent Leonardo Espina said the PNP would be stricter in implementing the nationwide gun ban, especially with the campaign period for national candidates about to start on February 9. Espina likewise said that the PNP would impose sanctions on police personnel arrested for gun ban violations by next week, including administrative cases, which are to be resolved in 30 days. While the cases are pending, the violators will be relieved from their present posts and transferred to regional units. They will also undergo character and aptitude development training. The PNP had earlier warned police commanders who fail to supervise erring cops about the possibility of also facing administrative charges. (See: PNP: Commanders liable for gun ban violations of subordinates) Comelec’s nationwide gun ban will remain in effect until June 9—the official end of the election period in the country.—JV/GMANews.TV