Arrested gun ban violators now 2,105

MANILA, Philippines — Up to 2,105 people have been arrested for violating the nationwide gun ban imposed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for the May 12 polls, according to the Philippine National Police.

The PNP yesterday said 2,021 of the arrested violators are civilians including 11 foreigners. There are  36 security guards, three minors and a suspected communist rebel.

The rest are police officers, military personnel, members of other law enforcement agencies, government officials and militiamen who were apprehended at Comelec checkpoints and other police operations.

The PNP said at least 564,383 checkpoint operations have been conducted since the election period started on Jan. 12.

The PNP has validated 12 election-related incidents, five of which occurred in the Bangsamoro region.

Two other incidents were reported in the Cordilleras and one each in Ilocos, Soccsksargen and Zamboanga peninsula. The gun ban will remain in effect until June 11.