At least 150 arrested for violating gun ban— police

AFP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police has arrested over 150 persons for violating the gun ban in just more than a week after it was imposed by the  Commission on Elections, a police official said on Monday.

Police Senior Superintendent Wilben Mayor said that as of 7:15 a.m., a total of 155, mostly civilians, have been arrested in different parts of the country in the ongoing conduct of on-the-spot gun check operations.

Of the total number, 147 were civilians, four were security guards, three police officers and one government official.

He said the police recovered 125 firearms apart from the 42 bladed weapons, eight grenades, and nine firearms replicas. Mayor said they also confiscated 1176 ammunitions.

The gun ban is being implemented by the PNP and other law enforcement agencies from September 28 to November 12, which is 30 days before, and 15 days after the October 28 village elections.

“[PNP chief], Police Director General Alan Purisima, assures that the PNP will remain vigilant in its law enforcement and security operations to ensure Safe and Fair Election,” Mayor said.