PNP: Gun ban violations continue to rise to 281

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said the number of people arrested for violating the Comelec-imposed gun ban continue to rise with some 281 violators as of Tuesday.

The PNP started implementing the election gun ban last Jan. 13 and will last until June 12.

The National Election Monitoring and Action Center (NEMAC) of the PNP National Operations Center (NOC) said of 281 violators of COMELEC Resolution No. 9561-A, 246 were civilians, 22 security guards, six government officials, six policemen and one member of the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit.

PNP said those arrested yielded 242 firearms, 65 bladed weapons and 18 grenades and explosives.

Despite the gun ban, several recent high-profile incidents involving firearms had occurred in recent weeks, PNP Chief Director General Alan Purisima said as he stressed that the police will remain active in enforcement and security operations while reiterating his instructions to PNP units to intensify checkpoint and gun check operations to ensure Secure and Fair Elections (SAFE 2013).

During the gun ban period, all Permit to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence issued by the PNP to qualified licensed gun holders are suspended and only law enforcers on duty and in uniform are exempted from the ban. (PNA)