Report Philippines Concludes Gun Ban with 3,616 Arrests during Elections

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The conclusion of the five-month nationwide gun ban in the Philippines has resulted in the arrest of 3,616 individuals, including members of law enforcement and foreign nationals, according to a statement by the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday, June 12. This extensive operation, aimed at ensuring peaceful midterm elections, witnessed significant confiscations of firearms and a series of strategic police activities.

 

Effective from January 12 and concluding on June 11, the gun ban was instrumental in seizing a total of 3,702 firearms across the country. Among these were 1,317 revolvers, 1,057 pistols, 28 rifles, 28 shotguns, and 908 firearms falling into other categories. PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas D. Torre III elaborated on the operation's success, stating, “The conclusion of the gun ban marks a transition, not an end. The PNP remains committed to sustaining peace, preventing gun-related violence, and protecting every Filipino from crime and lawlessness.”

 

The arrests were primarily achieved through an impressive 998,679 checkpoints set up nationwide, leading to 265 immediate arrests. In addition, strategic police response operations accounted for 1,879 further arrests. The remaining arrests included a diverse group—3,462 civilians, 61 security guards, 16 foreign nationals, 21 police officers, 19 soldiers, 14 elected government officials, seven other law enforcement personnel, and three minors identified as children in conflict with the law.

 

Regionally, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) recorded the highest number of arrests with 1,271 individuals apprehended. This was followed by Region 3 with 435 arrests, Region 7 with 429, and Region 4A with 336. Other regions also reported notable enforcement results, including Region 6 with 113 arrests, Region 10 with 112, and Region 1 with 103.

 

Gen. Torre reaffirmed the PNP's resolve to continue addressing loose firearm issues beyond the election period, highlighting the arrests and confiscations as pivotal steps in peace and order enforcement. Acknowledging the critical role of checkpoints and tailored police operations, he emphasized their ongoing importance in curbing gun-related violence and ensuring public safety.

 

This comprehensive approach to maintaining national security not only ensured safer election proceedings but also reinforced the need for continued vigilance in combating crime linked to firearms. As the country transitions from the election period, the PNP's efforts underscore a strong commitment to long-term peace and public safety.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Manila Bulletin 2025-06-12