Manila: Firearms seized during the May 9 elections will be examined to find if those have been used in crime, officials said.
Chief Superintendent Wilben Mayor, spokesman for the Philippine National Police (PNP), said their crime laboratory is conducting ballistics examination on the seized firearms.
Since the gun ban was enforced last February, 3,492 firearms, mostly pistols, have been seized by the PNP across the country.
The gun ban was enforced primarily to deter political violence during the election period. It had been previously observed that poll-related killings rose before and during the elections.
Police also confiscated 37,428 bullets, 281 grenades and 313 explosive devices from violators. “The guns and ammunition we confiscated are enough firepower to arm five or six battalions of combat troops,” Mayor said.
“By taking away these instruments of violence from criminal elements and lawless individuals, we were able to pre-empt imminent danger that may have marred the otherwise peaceful outcome of last Monday’s elections and save lives in the process,” Mayor said.
“I can’t imagine how much damage 37,000 bullets and 500 explosives can do to our lives,” he added.
Most of the apprehended gun ban violators were civilians.
“These violators face criminal prosecution for violation of the Omnibus Election Code and the Firearms and Ammunition Law. The election gun ban ends on June 8 upon culmination of the 60-day election period,” Mayor said.
Designate-President Rodrigo Duterte said he plans to ask Congress to tighten rules on gun ownership to prevent civilians from owning high-powered rifles.
