GUN BAN. Brig. Gen. Matthew Baccay, PRO3 regional director, said on Monday (June 6, 2022) some 400 persons were arrested in Central Luzon for violating the gun ban from January 9 to June 5, 2022. He added that the operations yielded 328 assorted firearms and 2,319 deadly weapons and explosives. (File photo courtesy of PRO3) CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga - A total of 400 persons have been arrested in Central Luzon for violating the election gun ban, the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) said on Monday. Brig. Gen. Matthew Baccay, PRO3 regional director, said those individuals were arrested at checkpoints of the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) from the start of the election period on January 9 until June 5. Baccay said the operations also yielded 328 assorted firearms and 2,319 deadly weapons and explosives. Comelec Resolution 10728 states that bearing, carrying, or transporting firearms or deadly weapons are prohibited outside of the residence and in all public places from January 9 until June 8. Exempted from the ban are law enforcers but they should have authorization from the Comelec and wear an agency-prescribed uniform while on official duty during the election period. 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. Meanwhile, Baccay said the PRO3 will continuously conduct regular checkpoints even after the election period ends on June 8 to ensure peace and security in the region. (PNA) }