MANILA, Philippines — Over 2,000 persons have been arrested while over 18,000 firearms and deadly weapons were seized by the Philippine National Police (PNP) in its focused operations for the 2019 polls.
Data from the PNP released on Friday showed that a total of 2,473 were arrested in 277,296 operations through checkpoints, police patrol response, or by virtue of search warrant and warrant of arrest.
The arrested persons are 2,329 civilians, 24 police officers, three members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, 39 elected officials, six from other law enforcement agencies, two jail personnel, 45 security guards, two militiamen, a foreign national, 20 members of threat groups, and two members of private armed groups.
The PNP said the data covers operations conducted on January 13, or the start of the election period, to March 7.
Meanwhile, the PNP said it has also seized 2,039 firearms and 16,379 other deadly weapons, including grenade, bullets, and other explosives.
A total of 2,473 checkpoints has been set up since the start of the 150-day election period, the PNP said. /jpv
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