PNP: 31 election gun ban violators arrested so far

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has arrested 31 individuals for violating the election gun ban as of Monday morning.

PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo reported during a press briefing that those apprehended included an employee of a Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) ministry, an Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) serviceman, three security guards, and 26 civilians.

Authorities have confiscated 80 firearms, including 60 small arms, two Class A light weapons, one Class B light weapon, 17 replicas, and explosives. Additionally, 539 rounds of ammunition were seized.

Central Luzon recorded the most confiscated firearms with 19, followed by the Ilocos Region with 14, and Western Visayas with nine.

Under Comelec Resolution No. 11067, a gun ban is in effect from January 12 to June 11, aiming to reduce election-related violence. The election period also began on January 12, with Comelec checkpoints established nationwide.

The campaign period for senatorial candidates and party-list groups runs from February 11 to March 10, 2025. Candidates for the House of Representatives and local government positions will campaign from March 28 to May 10.

Election day is scheduled for May 12. However, overseas voters can cast their ballots from April 13 to May 12, while local absentee voters may vote from April 28 to 30. — DVM, GMA Integrated News