700 arrested for violating gun ban—police

FLE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Almost 700 persons have been arrested as the Philippine National Police continue to implement the Commission on Election’s gun ban rule, a police official said Wednesday.

Police Senior Superintendent Wilben Mayor, PNP spokesman, said that as of 6:55 a.m. 668 persons, mostly civilians, have been apprehended since the implementation of the firearms ban last September 27.

Of these individuals, 618 were civilians, eight police officers, 25 security guards, seven government officials, six from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, three CAA Cafgu and one from an unspecified law enforcement agency.

Meanwhile, 555 firearms have been confiscated, along with 217 bladed weapons, 68 grenades, 20 firearm replicas and 4,575 ammunition, and 290 other explosives.

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

“Police units will continue to enforce election laws particularly the election gun ban that is enforced until November 12,” he said.