Arrested election gun ban violators now 691 — PNP

A total of 691 persons have been arrested for violating the election gun ban as of Thursday, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday.

In an update, the PNP said most of the nabbed suspects were reported from Metro Manila with 206, followed by Central Luzon with 117 and Central Visayas with 70.

Among the arrested violators were:

• one PNP personnel
• six Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) personnel
• one CAFGU Active Auxiliary
• 3 personnel from other law enforcement agencies
• 22 security guards
• one election government official
• two appointed government officials
• one child in conflict with the law
• two foreign nationals
• 650 civilians

A total of 692 firearms were seized from the violators including 268 revolvers, 208 pistols, 33 gun replicas, 17 Class A guns, 13 explosives, eight rifles, six shotguns, and 138 others.

Based on Comelec Resolution No. 11067, the gun ban is effective starting January 12 to June 11 in a bid to lessen election-related violence.

Meanwhile, the PNP said there was one validated election-related incident of violence in Western Visayas.

One suspected election-related incident of violence was also reported in Central Luzon, which is still undergoing validation.

The PNP confirmed that the 10 incidents of violence previously reported—six in Western Visayas, two in Cagayan Valley, one in Ilocos Region, and one in Soccsksargen — were not related to the polls.

The campaign period for senatorial candidates and party-list groups is set from February 11 to May 10, 2025. Meanwhile, the campaign period for candidates for House of Representatives and parliamentary, provincial, city and municipal elections will be from March 28 to May 10.

Election Day is on May 12, but overseas voters may cast their votes from April 13 to May 12, while local absentee voters may cast their votes from April 28 to 30. — BAP, GMA Integrated News