The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Saturday said at least 2,787 people have been arrested so far for violating the election gun ban, most of whom were civilians.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia said that from January 12 up to May 1, those arrested for gun ban violations were 2,668 civilians, 47 security guards, 19 members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), and 16 members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
The confiscated firearms during operations and at checkpoints reached 2,870, including 2,589 small firearms, 112 replicas, 70 explosives, 58 light weapons, 32 airsoft guns, and more than 10,000 various bullets.
Garcia reminded the public that the nationwide gun ban has been in effect since January 12.
Numerous checkpoints were put up by both the police and military in strategic places around the country from the said date until June 11.
The poll chairman said that during checkpoints, only visual inspections are allowed. Police are prohibited from opening a vehicle’s trunk or glove compartment, as well as dismounting or frisking passengers.