PNP files over 3,000 cases for election laws violations

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday said it has already filed cases against 3,829 persons for violating election laws during the 2022 poll period.

In a statement, the PNP said a total of 3,436 cases were filed for violation of the gun ban, liquor ban as well as for vote-buying and vote-selling, among other election law breaches.

The PNP vowed full investigative support to the National Prosecution Service to establish airtight cases against persons arrested for violation of the Omnibus Election Code and other laws.

As the election period concluded at midnight of June 8, the PNP has recorded 3,651 violators of the gun ban, 128 violators of the liquor ban and 50 suspects for alleged vote-buying or selling.

Among the arrested gun ban violators were 50 police and military personnel; 61 security guards; and 3,513 civilians.

“The law enforcement pillar of the criminal justice system has effectively discharged its function to arrest violators of the law, the next step is to ensure ‘successful prosecution’ of the offenders,” PNP officer-in-charge Vicente Danao Jr. said.

Confiscated during the 152-day election gun ban period were 2,812 firearms; 17,401 rounds of assorted live ammunition; 140 explosive devices; and 1,165 bladed deadly weapons.

“By taking away these instruments of violence, crime, and oppression from the hands of unauthorized individuals, criminal elements and partisan armed groups, the PNP ably ensured safe and secure elections, free from imminent threats to peace,” Danao said.

The PNP recorded 27 validated “election-related incidents,” which is lower compared to the 133 recorded in 2019, and 166 in 2010.

According to Danao, the crime environment during the 2022 election period decreased by 59,115 or 41.75% in the Total Peace and Order Index (POI) compared to 2016.

The number of focus crimes also went down by 42,616 or 73.98%, he added.—LDF, GMA News