1,398 gun ban violators nabbed

MANILA, Philippines — A total of 1,398 people have been arrested for violating the election gun ban as of March 1, according to the latest report from the Philippine National Police.

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) recorded the highest number of arrests at 420, which includes 406 civilians, five foreign nationals, five security guards, two officers from the Office for Law Enforcement Affairs, one from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and one law enforcement agent.

Region 3 followed with 207 arrests, while Region 7 reported 186. Other regions also recorded multiple arrests, with most violators being civilians.

Of those arrested, 160 were apprehended at Commission on Elections checkpoints, while 740 were caught during police responses.

Anti-illegal drug operations led to 233 arrests, while gun sting operations resulted in 98 apprehensions.

Another 167 people were arrested in other law enforcement operations.

Authorities confiscated a total of 1,422 firearms, including 431 pistols, 541 revolvers, 19 rifles and 26 shotguns.

The highest number of seized firearms came from the NCR with 410, followed by Region 3 with 200 and Region 7 with 187. Explosives and replica firearms were also recovered.

The gun ban, implemented as part of election security measures on Jan. 12, remains in effect until June 11.