Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III on Thursday ordered all unit commanders to sustain the campaign against loose firearms even as the election gun ban ended on June 11. Torre emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and order following the recent elections, highlighting the success of the gun ban in ensuring a peaceful electoral process.

According to Philippines News Agency, PNP data showed that 3,616 individuals were arrested, and 3,702 firearms were confiscated during the implementation of the gun ban that started on Jan. 12. Torre noted that this strong enforcement was crucial in ensuring a generally peaceful and credible 2025 mid-term national and local elections.

He credited President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for his leadership in adopting a whole-of-nation approach to secure the polls, which was instrumental in fostering a climate of peace and public order. "We will not let up. The conclusion of the gun ban marks a transition, not an end. The PNP remains committed to sustaining peace, preventing gun-related violence, and protecting every Filipino from crime and lawlessness," Torre said in a statement.

Torre praised the entire police force and partner agencies for their unwavering dedication to maintaining peace and enforcing the law throughout the election season. "This success is the result of unified efforts-from the ground personnel manning checkpoints day and night to the support of our communities and the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who emphasized secure and credible elections as a national priority," he said.

The PNP also thanked the public for their cooperation and vigilance and assured continued law enforcement operations post-election to uphold safety and security across the nation. According to the National Election Monitoring Action Center report, the PNP conducted 998,679 Commission on Elections checkpoints nationwide.