Over 500 gun ban violators arrested

OVER 500 persons have been arrested since the election gun ban took effect on April 14, a month before the conduct of the Barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan (youth council) elections, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported Thursday, April 26.

Chief Superintendent John Bulalacao, PNP spokesperson, said a total of 546 persons have been arrested for carrying firearms and other deadly weapons outside their residence which is prohibited during election period.

Of the total, 504 are civilians, five are from the PNP, three are members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), 10 are government employees, two are members of other law enforcement agencies, 13 security guards, three militia men and six members of threat groups and private armed groups.

Bulalacao said majority, or 160, of the arrested persons are from the National Capital Region.

He said their apprehension resulted in the confiscation of 403 firearms and 2,712 other deadly weapons such as firearms replica, bladed and pointed weapons, grenade and ammunitions.

Bulalacao reminded the public that the election gun ban will last until May 21, a week after the election.

He said the gun ban, which is enforced through the establishment of checkpoints in strategic areas, is aimed at maintaining peace and order during the election period.