MORE than 2,500 individuals, including 18 police officers, have been arrested for violating the nationwide election gun ban, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Data from the National Election Monitoring Action Center (NEMAC) showed that from January 12 to April 19, a total of 2,529 people were apprehended in connection with 2,486 gun ban violations.
Among those arrested were 18 Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel, 14 Armed Forces of the Philippines members, 12 foreign nationals, and 2,418 civilians.
Authorities also confiscated 2,603 firearms, including:
- 2,350 small arms
- 55 light weapons
- 27 airsoft guns
- 101 replicas
- 60 explosives
- Over 9,400 rounds of ammunition
The election gun ban, enforced since January 12, is intended to maintain peace and order in the lead-up to the midterm elections by minimizing firearm-related violence.
Meanwhile, the PNP has so far validated 28 election-related incidents (ERIs). Of these, 20 were classified as violent, and eight as non-violent.
According to PNP guidelines, an incident qualifies as a suspected ERI if it occurs during the official election period (January 12 to June 11) and involves a candidate, a relative, a supporter, or a Comelec official.
The PNP continues to ramp up enforcement operations to ensure a safe and orderly election season.