MANILA -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has commended the efforts of police forces for the strict implementation of the gun ban.

As early as the first day of the ban, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have arrested 47 people violating the said rule.

“We commend our partners in the PNP and AFP for doing a very good job. First night out, they already caught many (violators) so people will realize that the gun ban is serious,” said James Jimenez, the poll body's spokesperson.

PNP Deputy Director General for Operations Jefferson Soriano said in a television interview that the 47 people arrested consisted of five PNP personnel, three AFP members, three government officials, and 36 civilians.

The Comelec official himself also experienced slowdown in traffic as he approached a checkpoint.

“That's what they're supposed to do, to make sure that everyone passes thru the checkpoint and everyone who passes through the checkpoint is checked," said Jimenez. (Kathrina Alvarez/Sunnex)