1,608 held for gun ban violation

MANILA, Philippines — Up to 1,608 people nationwide have been arrested for violation of the election gun ban, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported yesterday.

The PNP said it conducted 1,496 operations that also resulted in the confiscation of 1,247 firearms.

Among those arrested were 1,550 civilians, 21 security guards, 15 police personnel and nine soldiers.

Apart from loose firearms, 513 bladed weapons, 654 explosives and 6,876 bullets were recovered.

Police said 559 of the violators were arrested in Metro Manila, 180 in Central Visayas, 177 in Calabarzon, 167 in Central Luzon and 85 in  Western Visayas.

The gun ban, which took effect on Jan. 9, will be implemented until the end of the election period on June. 8.