55 cops, soldiers nabbed for poll gun ban violation

MANILA, Philippines — At least 38 police officers and 17 soldiers were arrested for violation of  the election gun ban, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported yesterday.

PNP spokesman Col. Bernard Banac said the police officers and soldiers were among the 4,557 people apprehended since the start of the election period on Jan. 13.

Banac did not provide a breakdown of the areas where the members of the uniformed service were arrested.

At least 76 government officials, 82 security guards, four jail guards and 12 from other law enforcement agencies were also arrested.

Banac said nine militiamen, 27 suspected members of armed groups and nine foreigners were also apprehended.

The PNP said a majority of the offenders are civilians. 

Police recovered 4,038 assorted firearms that were seized or surrendered by their owners.

The PNP had earlier said 32,000 rounds of ammunition, 256 grenades, 500 other explosives and 1,554 deadly weapons were confiscated.

“We laud registered gun owners who voluntarily turned over their firearms... we encourage the others to do the same,” Banac said.

Those arrested were caught carrying firearms outside their residences.

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

The PNP conducted 594,810 law enforcement operations since the start of the election period. The poll gun ban ends on June 12.