MANILA, (PNA) — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday announced the arrest of almost 600 persons for violating the firearms ban.
In a text message to Philippines News Agency (PNA), Senior Supt. Wilben Mayor, PNP spokesman, said that as of 6:05 a.m. Monday, 593 persons, mostly civilians, have been apprehended since the implementation of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban starting September 27.
Of these individuals, 551 are civilians, seven police officers, 21 security guards, six government officials,five from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and three CAA Cafgu.
Confiscated were 492 firearms, 194 bladed weapons, 289 other explosives, 68 grenades, 18 firearm replicas and 4,059 ammunition.
The gun ban is being implemented by the PNP and other law enforcement agencies for the barangay 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 Elections,” Mayor said.
Mayor also said that as 7:41 a.m. Monday, the PNP arrested 153 persons for violating of the liquor ban enclosed in the Omnibus Election Code.
The liquor ban has been implemented at 12:01 a.m. Sunday and will last throughout election day on Monday.