2,032 gun ban violators as of Black Saturday

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested a total of 2,032 gun ban violators as of Black Saturday, March 30, said PNP spokesman Generoso Cerbo in a statement. 

The PNP also confiscated a total of 1,982 firearms and other deadly weapons.

For the 2013 elections, a nationwide ban on guns and other deadly weapons had been in place since January 13 and will be lifted only on June 12.

Otherwise, the Holy Week has been “generally peaceful,” according to PNP Director for Operations Alex Paul Monteagudo in his report to PNP Chief Alan Purisima on Saturday. 

PNP said the only major incident they recorded so far is the Good Friday attack of the New People’s Arrmy against government troops in Butuan City.

A CAFGU member assisting soldiers in securing the Holy Week rites in Butuan was killed in the firefight that momentarily trapped civilians attending the “Panaad 2013.” (READ: NPA attacks government troops on anniversary)

“No other major untoward incidents were reported by Police Regional Offices,” said Monteagudo in his report.

For the Holy Week, PNP launched Oplan SumVac to implement nationwide law enforcement and public safety operations. 

Oplan SumVac will remain operational until Easter Monday, April 1, when travellers are expected to end their 4-day vacations and flock back to urban centers. 

“Public Assistance Centers (PAC) put up in strategic locations along major thoroughfares and transport terminals, airports and seaports are under strict orders to remain in their posts until after the last traveller has safely returned,” Monteagudo said in a statement. – with a report from Carmela Fonbuena/Rappler.com