PNP withdraws 674 escorts, arrests 85 gun ban violators

MANILA, Philippines —  The Philippine National Police (PNP) has recalled at least 674 police officers serving as security detail for politicians running in the May 2025 midterm elections, as well as other government officials and civilians.

Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, current PNP spokesperson and Central Luzon police director, said personnel assigned with the Police Security and Protection Group (PSPG) were securing about 870 VIPs or very important persons.

Of this number, 197 are politicians running in the midterm elections, including governors, mayors and councilors.

Also affected are 445 other government officials and 228 civilians who have validated security threats.

Fajardo said the VIPs can have their protective security escort if they secure a certificate of exemption from the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

While their applications are being processed, Fajardo stated that they may temporarily have police escorts for up to 30 days.

The police officers from the PSPG who were recalled are being reassigned as augmentation forces for the upcoming elections.

Gun ban violators

In a separate report, at least 85 people have been arrested for violating the nationwide gun ban imposed in connection with the May 2025 midterm elections, the PNP reported yesterday.

According to data shared by the agency, 71 of the violators are civilians, followed by three appointed government officials, three security guards, two military personnel and one employee of the Bureau of Corrections.

The top three regions with the most violators arrested are Central Luzon with 26, Metro Manila with nine and Ilocos also with nine.

The common reason given by the violators, Fajardo said, is that they were unaware of the existing gun ban.

Police units nationwide have seized 86 loose firearms – 25 in Central Luzon, 20 in Metro Manila and nine in Ilocos. The other 32 guns were confiscated in other regions. Thirty-one of the firearms are revolvers, while the rest are pistols, rifles and shotguns.   –  Ric Sapnu