Police arrested an auto mechanic in Muntinlupa for violation of the nationwide gun ban imposed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Operatives from the Muntinlupa police’s anti-carnapping unit were conducting a follow-up operation on a recent case in Purok 4, Barangay Putatan on Jan. 27 when they saw the suspect, Jeffrey Sison, 41, a resident of Muntinlupa, acting suspiciously.

According to the police, when Sison sensed their presence, he drew his firearm that was tucked in his waist. The operatives were able to subdue him and confiscated his improvised firearm that was loaded with two .38-caliber live ammunition.

Sison is facing charges for violation of Republic Act 10591 for illegal possession of an improvised firearm and ammunition, and Batas Pambansa 811 (Omnibus Election Code).

The Comelec has imposed a gun ban from Jan. 9 to June 8 in connection with the May 9 national and local elections.

Under Comelec Resolution No. 10728 issued last last Nov. 10, “no person shall bear, carry or transport firearms or deadly weapons outside his/her residence or place of business. and in all public places, including any building, street, park, and in private vehicles or public conveyances, even if he/she is licensed or authorized to possess or to carry the same, unless authorized by the Commission, through the Committee on the Ban on Firearms and Security Concerns (CBFSC), in accordance with the provisions of this Resolution.”

The same resolution prohibits anyone from engaging the services of security personnel and transporting firearms and explosives, including its spare parts and components unless authorized by Comelec.

Penalties for violation of the gun ban are imprisonment from one year to six years, permanent disqualification from public office and loss of right to vote, and deportation for foreigners, but only after prison term is served.