474 poll gun ban violators arrested

MANILA, Philippines - Since the start of the elecction gun ban imposed by the Commission on Election (Comelec), the Philippine National Police (PNP) has arrested 474 violators.

Of the 474 violators of Comelec Resolution No. 9561-A, the PNP National Operations Center said 424 were civilians, 33 security guards, eight government officials, seven policemen, one from the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) and one from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

Confiscated from those arrested were 423 firearms, 111 bladed weapons, eight air guns, 13 grenades, five other explosive devices and 2,155 pieces of ammunition.

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

PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima said the police would remain vigilant in the enforcement of the gun ban and other security operations.

Purisima ordered all police units to intensify the setting up of checkpoints to ensure Secure and Fair Elections in 2013 (SAFE 2013).

He said all Permits to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFOR) issued by the PNP to qualified licensed gun owners were suspended and only law enforcers on duty and in complete uniform are exempted from the gun ban.