Gun ban violators nabbed in Metro Manila
TEN gun ban violators were arrested in Metro Manila since last Sunday midnight as National Capital Region Police Office director Brigadier General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. ordered the strict enforcement of the prohibition on the unauthorized carrying of firearms and other deadly weapons in the metropolis ahead of the October 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections.
Nartatez said two short firearms and four improvised guns with eight bullets and 17 bladed weapons were recovered from the possession of the suspects.
Two of them identified as Felizardo Almarez, 25; and Jameson Argabio,32, were arrested after a brief chase by policemen conducting a gun check at around 12:50 a.m. Tuesday on Naga Road in Pulang Lupa 2, Las Piñas City, said Southern Police District director Brig. Gen. Roderick D. Mariano.
The official said that the two were initially accosted for riding a motorcycle without crash helmets. However, they ignored the officers and fled encouraging the lawmen to give chase until they were cornered.
When frisked, the suspects yielded one caliber .38 revolver with several live ammunition, a switchblade, a bolt-cutter, and a pair of scissors. The two failed to present any gun papers and a gun ban exemption from the Commission on Elections prompting the lawmen to arrest them.
The two were charged with violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulations Act of 2013 and Batas Pambansa 6 in relation to the Omnibus Election Code, said Mariano.
Brig. Gen. Nartatez said they will see to it that the 90-day gun ban during the 2023 BSKE period will be enforced to the hilt.
He added that all their operational plans and activities will be in accordance with Comelec Resolution No. 10902 as well as enforcing all prohibitions for the 90-day election period as stated under the Omnibus Election Code and other resolutions approved by the poll body.
Under Comelec Resolution 10918, the Commission, unless authorized, prohibits the bearing, carrying, or transporting firearms and other deadly weapons outside the residence or place of business, and in all public places; employing, availing, or engaging the services of security personnel and bodyguards; and transporting or delivering firearms and explosives, including its parts, ammunition, and/ or components.
The filing of the certificate of candidacy started on Monday and will end on September 2 while the campaign period will be from October 19 to 29.
