PNP arrests 691 for election gun ban violation

The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported that 691 individuals have been arrested for violating the election gun ban as of Thursday.

Metro Manila recorded the highest number of arrests with 206, followed by Central Luzon with 117 and Central Visayas with 70.

The arrested violators included personnel from the PNP, AFP, other law enforcement agencies, security guards, government officials, civilians, and foreign nationals.

A total of 692 firearms were confiscated from the arrested individuals, including pistols, revolvers, rifles, shotguns, gun replicas, and explosives.

In Pangasinan alone, 20 individuals have been arrested for violating the election gun ban, with no prominent personalities or election candidates involved so far.

Authorities are closely monitoring eight areas of concern in Pangasinan due to intense political rivalries and past election-related incidents.

The election gun ban is in effect from January 12 to June 11 to curb election-related violence.

The PNP also noted one validated election-related incident of violence in Western Visayas and another reported incident in Central Luzon that is currently under validation.