By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday said it has recorded 3,131 violators so far, with less than a month before the five-month election gun ban ends on June 11.
In a statement, the PNP said the 2025 midterm election gun ban violators are 71 percent higher compared to the 1,827 arrested in the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
The increase in apprehensions reflects the PNP’s sustained law enforcement operations and inter-agency coordination.
Among the arrests, 240 individuals were caught during checkpoint operations, 1,608 during police responses, 498 in anti-illegal drug operations, 197 in gun buy-bust operations, 587 in law enforcement operations, and one individual through internal security operations.
The PNP also confiscated 3,217 firearms, nearly 50 percent higher compared to 2,085 seized in the 2023 elections.
“The sharp increase in both arrests and confiscated firearms is proof of our aggressive and sustained campaign to rid our streets of unauthorized and illegal firearms during the election period,” said PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil.
“This is a shared success between the police, our partner agencies, and the public who cooperated with our operations.”
He also urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperative in maintaining peace and order beyond the elections.
Meanwhile, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said 20 people were killed while 31 others were injured in 49 validated election-related incidents (ERIs).
Fajardo said the PNP is also looking into 51 other incidents that occurred on election day to determine whether these are related to the May 12 polls.
She said the 2025 midterm elections have shown a considerably improved security landscape, with a decline in recorded violence compared to the 2023 BSKE polls.
Fajardo attributed the generally peaceful May 12 elections to the long preparation and coordinated planning of the concerned government agencies. (PNA)
