Protesters display a placard calling for a violence-free election during a May Day

rally in Manila, Philippines. Image from PA Photos.

The gun ban during the recent election period in the Philippines resulted in a significant drop in election-related violence, according to the police.

During the first six months of 2007, 75 people were murdered and 129 wounded in 'election-related violent incidents' (ERVIs). This compared with 189 people murdered and 279 wounded in ERVIs during the 2004 election period. 23 of the murder victims this year were political candidates, compared with 41 in 2004.

The Philippines government banned firearms in public places from January 2007, hoping to reduce violence associated with the election on 14 May.

Figures from the Philippine National Police immediately after the election suggested that violence had reduced only slightly from 2004. The figures were revised after further investigation to distinguish election-related attacks from other incidents.

A Filipino arms manufacturer reported a drop in its gun sales over the ban period. Demetrio Tuazon, Chair of Armscor, told Pinoy Press that demand for guns had declined markedly leading up to elections.

Election monitors, including the Asia Foundation, the Asian Network for Free Elections, Kontra-Daya and Legal Network for Truthful Elections, remained concerned about election violence and widespread corruption.