MALATE CHECKPOINT. By Sunday, January 13, Comelec checkpoints are set up for the duration of the election period. Photo by Voltaire Tupaz

MANILA, Philippines - A man initially picked up for urinating in public in Manila was later found to be concealing a grenade, and became the first person arrested since the election gun ban took effect on Sunday, January 13.

Police said the incident occurred past noon along EDSA in Pasay City, where the man was spotted urinating in full view of the public, in violation of a city ordinance.

During the body search, an MK2 fragmentation hand grenade was found in the front pocket of the man's pants.

At midnight on Sunday, the election period started with the implementation of a weapons ban and the activation of at least 1,634 election checkpoints across the country.

The ban takes effect amid calls for stricter control measures, or even a total gun ban, after deaths from a stray bullet, a shooting spree, and an alleged rubout at a checkpoint were reported earlier this month. - Rappler.com

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