Two suspects were arrested in separate incidents in Sta. Ana and Sta. Cruz, Manila, for illegal possession of firearms in violation of the election gun ban.
The first incident occurred around 1 a.m. at the corner of Rizal Avenue and Tambunting Street in Barangay 374, Sta. Cruz, when police officers from Blumentritt Police Community Precinct (PCP) responded to a tip from a concerned citizen about a suspicious individual with a firearm.
The suspect, identified as Rowel de Leon, 26, a resident of Sta. Cruz, was seen examining what turned out to be an improvised firearm or "pen gun."
Arresting officers approached De Leon who failed to present any license or authorization to carry a firearm.
One improvised firearm and a 9mm live ammunition were confiscated from him.
De Leon was brought to the police station and is now facing charges for violating Republic 10591 and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban under Republic 7166.
Around 3:45 a.m., another arrest was made in Sta. Ana, Manila.
Personnel from MPD Dagonoy precinct responded to a report of a man causing a public disturbance along Zobel Roxas Street in Barangay 783.
The suspect, identified as Carl Jhonnar Tan, 23, was reportedly shouting and challenging bystanders to a fight while brandishing a firearm.
Responding officers arrested Tan and recovered an improvised firearm loaded with live ammunition.
Tan also violated Article 155 of the Revised Penal Code (Alarm and Scandal), aside from illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
The Manila Police District (MPD) continues to remind the public of the strict implementation of the election-related gun ban and urges citizens to report any suspicious activities in their communities.