Over 50 nabbed for violating gun ban – PNP

PNP Director General Alan Purisima. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Over 50 persons were arrested for violating the gun ban which took effect last Friday, police said Wednesday.

Police Senior Superintendent Wilben Mayor, PNP spokesman, said that as of 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, 58 persons, mostly civilians, were apprehended for carrying firearms.

Of the total number of arrested persons, 54 were civilians, while two others were police officers, one government official and a security guard, Mayor said.

With these arrests, 46 firearms were seized, he said, apart from the 19 other bladed weapons, three grenades, and three firearm replicas.

Furthermore, 477 ammunitions were  confiscated, Mayor said.

The Commission on Elections gun ban is being implemented by the PNP and other law enforcement agencies for the election period 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.