By Alec Go
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said a total of 818 individuals have been arrested for violating the gun ban implementation ahead of the May 2022 national and local elections.
In the Saturday (Feb. 5) Laging Handa briefing, PNP Spokesperson PCol. Jean Fajardo said the PNP has already conducted 699 operations to implement the gun ban as of February 5.
She said many of the arrested are from the National Capital Region (NCR), and that violators may face charges for violating the Omnibus Election Code.
“Ipinapaalala po namin na bawal ang pagdadala ng anumang klase ng baril, except, of course, iyong mga authorized,” she said.
Meanwhile, she said checkpoints of the PNP and Commission on Elections (Comelec) continue to operate, together with police personnel, in preparation for campaign activities of national candidates beginning next week.
The official also reminded candidates and their supporters to follow guidelines of the Comelec on the conduct of election activities, and stressed that “any form of physical contact” is prohibited.
“Ipinagbabawal po ang overcrowding, particularly sa mga indoor areas kung saan sila magdadaos ng kanilang campaign sorties,” she said.
“Bawal ang pakikipagkamay, bawal po ‘yung pagbebeso-beso, bawal din ang pagkuha ng mga picture na mga selfie, at saka ‘yung pagbibigay ng mga pagkain at tubig,” she said.
Candidates are also prohibited to enter households in their house-to-house campaign activities even if the homeowner has permission.
“Sana tayo ang manguna sa pagsunod po sa mga umiiral na guidelines na itinakda ng Comelec,” she said. -ag
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