By Rodolfo Dacleson II
(February 17, 2025) – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday announced that nearly 1,000 individuals have been apprehended nationwide for violating the gun ban for this year’s elections.
The PNP reported that the 971 violators caught included eight members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and five police officers, citing the latest data from the National Election Monitoring Action Center.
PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil touted their operations, adding that the public must cooperate and stay vigilant to safeguard the 2025 midterm elections and the inaugural Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao elections.
The gun ban was implemented on January 12 and will end on June 11.
“The PNP remains committed to safeguarding the electoral process by strictly enforcing the gun ban, neutralizing criminal activities, and preventing any attempts to disrupt the elections,” said Marbil in a statement, as quoted by the Philippine News Agency.
He furthered that the PNP will remain apolitical by ensuring no personnel engages in partisan activities.
“Anyone found violating these standards will face charges, including possible non-promotion or even dismissal from the service. The PNP will not tolerate any actions that undermine the integrity and impartiality of the elections,” added Marbil.
ALSO READ: PNP reiterates vow to prevent violence in campaign period for 2025 elections
The Commission on Elections classified over 400 locations as areas of concern due to political violence.
ALSO READ: Comelec identifies over 400 election hotspots, warns individuals about messing 2025 polls
In the 2022 elections, the PNP arrested over 3,600 individuals for violating the gun ban. The majority of the violators came from the National Capital Region, including military personnel and police officers.
In recent years, the PNP has been scrutinized due to the continued involvement of police officers in illicit activities, including extrajudicial killings, human rights abuses, and drugs.
(With reports from Currie Cator, News5)
(PM)
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