PNP nabs 881 gun ban violators

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested 881 persons for violating a gun ban imposed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for the Oct. 28 barangay elections.

Senior Superintendent Wilben Mayor, PNP spokesman, said those arrested were mostly civilians. The gun ban was implemented from Sept. 28 to Oct. 28.

Of those arrested, there were 10 police officers, nine military men, 10 government officials, 30 security guards, and three from civilian armed units.

Mayor said the enforcement of the gun ban also resulted in the confiscation of 6,071 bullets, 750 firearms, 265 bladed weapons, 88 grenades, 29 firearm replicas and 293 other explosives.

He said gun ban violators were slapped with criminal charges while policemen will face administrative charges.

PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima said police operations during the election period against loose firearms, wanted persons, criminal elements and Partisan Armed Groups (PAGS) will be sustained even after the elections to preempt illegal activities and prevent violence.

Mayor said the PNP will step up its drive against organized crime groups and wanted persons.

Mayor encouraged gun holders to renew their licenses and support the PNP campaign to account for loose firearms.