146 nabbed for violating poll gun ban

MANILA, Philippines – A total of 146 people have been arrested nationwide for violating the election gun ban, police said Sunday.

Those arrested include 9 government officials, 4 police officers, 2 soldiers, and 131 civilians, according to Philippine National Police (PNP) records.

They are being charged for illegal possession of firearms.

German national Wollandt Hans Georg was the only foreigner collared so far for violating the ban.

He was caught in possession of a .45 caliber pistol and ammunition at a Commission on Elections checkpoint in Atimonan, Quezon, reports said.

A total of 1,102 checkpoints have been set up around the country as part of the gun ban's implementation.

The gun ban started on September 25 and will be enforced until November 10.

The measure is part of security preparations for the October 25 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan polls. – with a report from radio dzMM