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PNP: Gun ban violators breach 600 mark after 1st month


More than 600 people have been arrested in the first month of the Commission on Elections' implementation of the gun ban for this year's May elections, the Philippine National Police said on Wednesday. PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Leonardo Espina said that as of 8 a.m. Wednesday, they have arrested 607 people, 45 of them policemen and 25 of them soldiers and the rest are civilians. "As of the present naka-gather tayo ng 607 arrested persons. Mga 45 dito galing sa PNP, 25 galing AFP. Mga 25 government officials and employees, at maraming ibang civilians, 512 (As of now, we arrested 607 people. These include 45 from the Philippine National Police, 25 from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, 25 government officials and employees, and 512 civilians)," Espina said in an interview on dzRH radio. He said they have so far seized some 488 firearms and 780 replica guns, 88 bladed weapons, and three grenades since the gun ban started on January 10. All those arrested have already been charged for violating the gun ban, he added. Earlier, Espina voiced dismay over some hardheaded policemen who continue to violate the ban, saying the PNP has already conducted an information drive about it. Under the Election Code, only police personnel in uniform and on duty are allowed to carry firearms. On Tuesday, PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa warmed police commanders that they will be held responsible for gun ban violations of their subordinates. [See: PNP: Commanders liable for gun ban violations of subordinates] - LBG/RSJ, GMANews.TV

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