PNP arrests 1,398 for election gun ban violations

As of March 1, 2025, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has arrested 1,398 individuals nationwide for violating the election gun ban in preparation for the 2025 national and local elections.

The National Capital Region recorded the highest number of violations with 419 cases, followed by Central Luzon with 186 and Calabarzon with 106.

Of those apprehended, 1,328 were civilians, 31 were security guards, nine were police officers, seven were members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and six were foreign nationals, among others.

Authorities have confiscated 1,422 firearms, including pistols, revolvers, rifles, and shotguns, along with explosives and replica firearms.

The NCR seized the most firearms with 410, followed by Region 3 with 200 and Region 7 with 187.

In the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), 34 individuals have been arrested and 36 firearms confiscated as of March 3, 2025.

One recent violator arrested in BARMM was a barangay chairperson apprehended with two companions for possessing unlicensed pistols at a checkpoint.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is preparing to issue a resolution aimed at strengthening enforcement of the gun ban and taking stricter action against violators.