INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Over 700 persons have been arrested in different parts of the country as the Philippine National Police continue its implementation of the Commission on Election’s gun ban rule, a PNP official said.
In an advisory, Police Senior Superintendent Wilben Mayor, PNP spokesman, said that as of 6:33 a.m. 709 persons, mostly civilians, have been apprehended since the implementation of the firearms ban last month.
Of the total number, 654 were civilians, 26 security guards, nine police officers, eight military men, eight government officials, three CAA Cafgu and one from an unspecified law enforcement agency.
Over 5,000 ammunition, on the other hand, were confiscated, along with 601 firearms, 223 bladed weapons, 70 grenades, 20 firearm replicas and 290 other explosives.
The gun ban is being implemented by the PNP and other law enforcement agencies for the election period for the recently concluded barangay (village) elections from September 28 to November 12 – 30 days before, and 15 days after the October 28 elections.
“Police units will continue to enforce election laws particularly the election gun ban that is enforced until November 12,” he said.