Comelec gun ban violators now at 746—PNP

MANILA—The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday announced the arrest of more than 700 persons for violating the gun ban in line with the country’s national and local election.

Chief Superintendent Wilben Mayor, PNP spokesman, said as of 8:00 a.m. Sunday, 746 persons have been apprehended for carrying firearms since the implementation of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban on January 10.

The said figures include 711 civilians, five police officers, 11 government officials, 12 security guards, five employees of a law enforcement agency, and two members of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit, Mayor said.

He added that the PNP confiscated 592 firearms, 4,609 deadly weapons, 25 grenades, seven other explosives, 21 firearm replicas, 212 bladed/pointed weapons and 4,344 ammunition.

The gun ban is being implemented by the PNP and other law enforcement agencies in line with the country’s national and local elections on May 9. It started on January 10 and will last until June 8.

“[PNP chief], Police Director General Ricardo Marquez, assures that the PNP will remain vigilant in its law enforcement and security operations to ensure safe and fair election,” Mayor said.