Palace: 3,500 arrested so far for gun ban violations

MANILA, Philippines – At least 3,500 people have been arrested for violating the gun ban as the Philippine National Police (PNP) strengthens security as the election nears, Malacañang said on Sunday, May 1.

In an interview over state-run radio dzRB, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr said that Philippine security forces are capable enough to secure the upcoming polls from violence despite a recent reported bombing incident against a candidate.

The convoy of La Union 2nd District Representative Eufranio Eriguel was attacked on Saturday, April 30, killing two passengers.

“Tinitiyak natin sa ating mga kababayan na sapat ang kakayahan at kapabilidad ng Armed Forces of the Philippines at PNP upang supilin at pigilan ang lahat ng grupo at indibidwal na maaaring maghasik ng karahasan patungkol sa pambansang eleksyon (We assure the public that the AFP and PNP have enough skills and capability to suppress and prevent all groups or individuals who may spread violence during the elections),” he said.

In fact, he added, PNP also confiscated at least 31,200 deadly weapons including grenades and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in line with their Secure and Fair Elections (SAFE) campaign.

“Hindi tumitigil ang buong pamahalaan upang seguraduhin ang kaligtasan at katiwasayan ng ating mga mamamayan habang papalapit ang araw ng eleksyon (The whole administration will not stop ensuring the peace and safety of the public as election nears),” Coloma said. – Rappler.com