By Christopher Lloyd T. Caliwan
MANILA, (PNA) — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday announced the arrest of 341 persons for violating the firearms ban.
In its update, Senior Supt. Wilben Mayor, PNP spokesman, said that as of 4:35 p.m. Monday, 341 persons, mostly civilians, have been apprehended for carrying firearms despite the implementation of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban starting September 27.
Of these individuals, 325 are civilians, five police officers, 10 security guards, two government officials and three from the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Confiscated were 259 firearms, 109 bladed weapons, 41 other explosives, 41 grenades, 14 firearm replicas and 2,126 ammunition.
The gun ban is being implemented by the PNP and other law enforcement agencies during 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, assured that the PNP will remain vigilant in its law enforcement and security operations to ensure Safe and Fair Elections,” Mayor said.