Arrested election gun ban violators now 971 —PNP

The number of individuals arrested for violating the election gun ban was at 971 as of Sunday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

In a statement on Monday, the PNP said the region with the most violators nabbed was Metro Manila with 290, followed by Central Luzon with 149 and Central Visayas with 128.

Among the arrested suspects were:

• five PNP personnel
• eight Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel
• five personnel from other law enforcement agencies
• two elected government officials
• two appointed government officials
• one CAFGU Active Auxiliary 
• one child in conflict with the law
• 22 security guards 
• 921 civilians

The 962 firearms seized include 376 revolvers, 292 pistols, 40 gun replicas, 24 explosives, 23 Class A guns, nine rifles, seven shotguns, three Class B guns, and 188 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 reported one validated election-related incident of violence in Western Visayas.

There were also two suspected election-related incidents of violence in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. These incidents still need to undergo validation.

Thirteen incidents of violence, previously reported as suspected election-related, have been confirmed to be not related to the May 2025 polls, according to the PNP.

“The numbers speak for themselves—our intensified operations are in full force, and we will not let up. The PNP remains committed to safeguarding the electoral process by strictly enforcing the gun ban, neutralizing criminal activities, and preventing any attempts to disrupt the elections,” PNP chief Police General Rommel Marbil said in a statement.

“We call on the public to cooperate, stay vigilant, and report any suspicious activities that may threaten the peace and integrity of this democratic exercise," he added. — Joviland Rita/BM, GMA Integrated News

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