Election gun ban tally at 820

The number of violators of the election gun ban has reached 820 as of Sunday, more than a month after the nationwide prohibition was put in place, Philippine National Police records showed. PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Leonardo Espina told dzXL radio among the violators were 56 policemen and 30 soldiers. "We arrested more than 800 persons, netted almost 700 firearms and several bladed weapons," Espina told dzBB radio in a separate interview. Authorities have seized 695 firearms, including 294 high-powered and 401 low-powered firearms; and 779 Airsoft firearm replicas. Also seized were 186 bladed weapons and 34 grenades. The Commission on Elections’ nationwide gun ban was imposed last January 10 and will remain in effect until June 9 — the official end of the election period. The ban was enforced to prevent and minimize violence during the election season, which in the Philippines has been characterized by violence. — NPA, GMANews.TV