Over 800 arrested as gun ban for barangay elections is lifted—PNP

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—As the gun ban for the recently concluded barangay (village) polls ended Tuesday, the Philippine National Police said Wednesday over 800 persons were arrested in different parts of the country.

As of 12 midnight, Police Senior Superintendent Wilben Mayor, PNP spokesman, said 881 persons, mostly civilians, were arrested for violating the gun ban rule imposed for the October 28 polls.

Of the total number, 818 were civilians, 30 security guards, 10 police officers, nine military men, 10 government officials, and three from the Citizens’ Army Geographical Units (CAFGUs).

As for confiscated weapons, Mayor said 6,071 ammunition were seized, along with 750 firearms, 265 bladed weapons, 88 grenades, 29 firearms replica, and 293 other explosives.

The gun ban started last September as imposed by the Commission on Elections and implemented by PNP along with other law enforcement agencies.