By Joel E. Zurbano
Gun ban checkpoints set up by the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) within Metro Manila has so far netted 65 violators and seized more than 200 deadly weapons including firearms.
NCRPO chief Brig. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said his men, whom he deployed to man 1,319 police checkpoints to monitor and enforce the ban in Metro Manila, were able to apprehend 65 people from August 28 to September 4, 2023.
Sixteen seized firearms were recorded, including handguns and 23 other improvised weapons like sumpak, replica, and paltik. Additionally, 186 other deadly weapons were confiscated.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) issued Resolution 10728, prohibiting unauthorized firearms and bodyguards ahead of the elections.
Nartatez reiterated that all firearms, even with licenses and permits, will not be allowed to be brought outside the owner’s residence during the ban.
He directed all policemen to wear proper uniforms, saying he would deal with infractions accordingly.
The poll body resolution bans bearing, carrying, or transporting firearms or deadly weapons outside residences, places of business, and public places from August 28 to November 29, 2023, a month after the October 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections.
Only the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Philippine Coast Guard, and other law enforcement agencies are exempted from the ban, provided they have authorization from the Comelec and wear agency-prescribed uniforms during the election period.