The Philippine National Police (PNP) reminded gun owners to refrain from carrying their firearms outside their residence amid the continuous rise of those arrested for gun ban violation.
The gun ban started on Jan. 9 and will be lifted on June 8. It is part of the security measures to ensure the peaceful and orderly conduct of the May 9 national and local elections.
Based on the PNP data, a total of 1,931 people were arrested for gun violations. Of the figure, a total of 1,871 of those arrested are civilians while 35 are security guards. It added that 16 policemen and nine soldiers were also apprehended.
The top five regions in terms of the number of arrested violators are the National Capital Region with 654, followed by Central Visayas (212); Central Luzon (126); Calabarzon (203); and Western Visayas (110).
The series of operations have also resulted in the confiscation of 1,49 firearms, 8, 818 pieces of bullets and 703 deadly weapons.
The PNP said carrying firearms outside the residence, even if they are licensed, are prohibited. Policemen, soldiers and other members of the law enforcement agencies will have to produce an exemption or authorization to carry their guns but they must be on duty, and if possible should be in uniform.
The same rule applies for security guards.
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.