Comelec Gun Ban Violators Now At 609– PNP

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday announced the arrest of more than 600 persons for violating the election gun ban.

Chief Superintendent Wilben Mayor, PNP spokesman, said as of 8:00 a.m. Wednesday, 609 persons, mostly civilians, have been apprehended for carrying firearms since the implementation of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban on January 10.

The said figures include 583 civilians, three police officers, eight government officials, eight 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 478 firearms, 3,421 deadly weapons, 18 grenades, seven other explosives, 12 firearm replicas and 3,384 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. (PNA) FPV/CLTC