More than 2,700 individuals have been caught violating the election gun ban, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) reveals.
Since January 12 up to May 1, Comelec recorded a total of 2,787 arrests linked to gun ban violations. The bulk of those apprehended were civilians, numbering 2,668. Security guards accounted for 47, while members of the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines comprised 19 and 16, respectively.
Authorities confiscated a staggering 2,870 firearms during operations and at checkpoints. This haul included 2,589 small firearms, 112 replicas, 70 explosives, 58 light weapons, 32 airsoft guns, and over 10,000 assorted bullets.
The gun ban took effect with the start of the election period on January 12 for the May 2025 polls. Checkpoints were set up nationwide to enforce the ban. At these checkpoints, only visual inspections are permitted—officers cannot open vehicle trunks or glove compartments, nor can they frisk or ask passengers to dismount.
Election Day is set for Monday, May 12. The election period and the accompanying gun ban will remain until June 11, 2025.
Stay tuned for more updates on Eleksyon 2025 as the nation prepares for this crucial exercise.