30+ arrested, 80+ guns seized on election gun ban's first day

More than 30 individuals have been arrested nationwide on the first day of the election gun ban for carrying firearms, with at least 80 firearms confiscated.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported that arrests were made in various regions including Central Luzon, Ilocos Region, Western Visayas, and Pangasinan where four violators were apprehended since Sunday.

In Bicol, a suspect named 'Dave' was arrested on Sunday by police for indiscriminate firing, marking the first violation of the gun ban as the election period started. A caliber .45 pistol with six live rounds was confiscated from him.

On Monday, Jan. 13, two individuals were arrested in Rizal and Laguna provinces for violating the Omnibus Election Code provision that bans civilians from using and carrying firearms during the election period.

In Cainta, Rizal, police arrested 'Jammaine' while he was holding a loaded caliber .38 gun at a drinking session inside a subdivision. In Biñan City, Laguna, operatives from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) nabbed 'Francisco' after receiving complaints that he indiscriminately fired his gun.

Both suspects failed to present government documents for their firearms, leading to the filing of criminal charges under Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act and election gun ban.