Arrested election gun ban violators now 1,183, PNP says

A total of 1,183 individuals have been arrested for violating the election gun ban as of Sunday, the Philippines National Police (PNP) said Monday.

In an update, the PNP said most of the nabbed violators were reported in Metro Manila with 358, followed by Central Luzon with 183 and Central Visayas with 176.

The arrested suspects for election gun ban violation are the following:

• seven PNP personnel
• seven Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel
• six personnel from other law enforcement agencies
• two elected government officials
• two appointed government officials
• one CAFGU Active Auxiliary
• six foreign nationals
• two children in conflict with the law
• 24 security guards
• 1,126 civilians

A total of 1,177 firearms were seized, including 471 revolvers, 346 pistols, 50 gun replicas, 29 explosives, 27 Class A guns, 11 rifles, 10 shotguns, four Class B guns, and 229 others.

Based on Comelec Resolution No. 11067, the gun ban is effective starting January 12 to June 11 in a bid to lessen election-related violence.

Meanwhile, the PNP said one validated election-related incident of violence was reported in Western Visayas.

Two incidents of violence suspected to be connected with the elections were reported in Zamboanga Peninsula and Soccsksargen.

Fifteen incidents of violence—previously reported as suspected election-related—have been confirmed to be not related to the May 2025 polls, according to the PNP.

On Monday morning, Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur Vice Mayor Datu Omar Samama, who is seeking reelection in the May 2025 polls, was injured after getting shot.

The Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has condemned the attack on Samama.

“This act of violence against a public servant is an attack on peace, democracy, and the rule of law in the Bangsamoro. Such acts have no place in a society striving for justice, good governance, and meaningful change under the leadership of the BARMM Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim,” the MILG said in a statement.

“We call on law enforcement agencies to swiftly investigate this incident and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice,” it added.

Election Day is on May 12, but overseas voters may cast their votes from April 13 to May 12, while local absentee voters may cast their votes from April 28 to 30. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News

For more Eleksyon 2025 related content and updates, visit GMA News Online's Eleksyon 2025 microsite.