Police personnel conduct checkpoint operations in Taytay, Rizal on Jan. 12, 2025. Kaxandra Salonga, ABS-CBN NewsMANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said they have arrested 971 individuals since the start of election period and implantation of gun ban on Jan. 12.

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"Sa 37th day ng implementation ng Comelec gun ban, kabuuan ng naaresto po natin na tao ay umanbot na sa 971," Col. Randulf Tuaño, chief PNP-Public Information Office said in a press briefing.

Tuaño added that 88 of the arrests were made from Feb. 11, the start of campaign period for national candidates, until present.

"Doon po sa period ng Feb. 11 hanggang kasalukuyan, ang nahuli natin ay 88. Ito po ay bumubuo sa 9 percent sa totalidad po nya," he said.

In a press release, PNP provided a break down of the arrests and confiscations.

"Of those arrested, 106 were apprehended at Comelec checkpoints, 417 during police responses, 149 in anti-illegal drug operations, 53 in gun buy-bust operations, and 246 in other law enforcement operations (OLEO)," PNP said.

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PNP said that since the start of the gun ban, 962 firearms have confiscated through various police operations:

• 92 firearms seized at checkpoints 

• 418 recovered during police responses

• 136 from anti-illegal drug operations

• 53 from gun buy-bust operations

• 263 from other law enforcement operations

The Philippines is set to hold a midterm elections on May 12, 2025, with over 18,000 elective positions up for grabs.

For more news and features on Philippine elections, visit the ABS-CBN News' Halalan 2025 page.

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