The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is preparing to issue a resolution aimed at strengthening enforcement of the gun ban during the election period and taking stricter action against violators.
"Another development is about the issue of gun ban violations, the government will be issuing the necessary resolution, corrective measures in order to prevent those who are caught in gun ban or those who carry loose firearms," Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said in an ambush interview at Camp Crame on Monday.
Garcia noted that the resolution seeks to deter individuals from violating the gun ban or possessing loose firearms — referring to unregistered or illegally owned weapons.
According to the latest data from the National Election Monitoring Action Center, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported 1,398 arrests for gun ban violations from 12 January to 1 March.
Of those apprehended, 1,328 were civilians, 31 were security guards, nine were police officers, seven were members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and six were foreign nationals, among others.
Metro Manila recorded the highest number of violations with 419 cases, followed by Central Luzon with 186 and Calabarzon with 106.
Garcia warned that more incidents are expected as the election period progresses.
"Our only question is if there will be more in the next few days, because leading to the filing of the campaign on 28 March, the number is always increasing when it goes to the local campaign," he said.
Comelec, in coordination with law enforcement agencies, is ramping up security measures to curb gun-related offenses and ensure a safe and orderly election season.