PNP arrests nearly 1,400 for election gun ban violations

As of Saturday, March 1, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported that nearly 1,400 individuals have been arrested for violating the election gun ban ahead of the May polls.

The majority of arrests occurred in the National Capital Region with 419 individuals detained, followed by Central Luzon with 207 and Central Visayas with 186.

Among those arrested were nine PNP members, seven from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), six foreign nationals, three children, and 31 security guards.

The PNP has seized a total of 1,422 firearms including revolvers, pistols, replicas, explosives, and shotguns.

Nine election-related incidents have been validated by the police, with six being violent in nature.

The nationwide gun ban was implemented on January 12 and will remain in effect until June 11, 2025.