4,566 held for poll gun ban violation

MANILA, Philippines — At least 4,566 people have been arrested across the country for violating the election gun ban, according to the Philippine National Police.

PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde said those arrested were caught carrying firearms outside their residences since the start of the election period on Jan. 13.

The gun ban will be in effect until June 12.

Albayalde said 3,807 assorted firearms, 32,000 rounds of ammunition, 256 grenades, 500 other explosives and 1,554 deadly weapons were also confiscated.

He said even licensed gun owners are not allowed to carry firearms outside their residences unless they have a permit from the Commission on Elections.

Albayalde said police officers on duty,  personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard, National Bureau of Investigation and other law enforcement agencies are exempted from the gun ban.

“The PNP will make the necessary adjustments to beef up election security and law enforcement operations... as it enforces the... election gun ban and carry out operations against private armed groups, guns-for-hire and criminal organizations that pose a threat to peaceful polls,” he said.