MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced Tuesday that it will hold police commanders administratively liable if their subordinates are caught violating the Commission on Elections (Comelec) nationwide gun ban.

"I am serving notice to all police commanders that appropriate administrative sanctions will be meted against those whose subordinates have been arrested in violation of the election gun ban, as a consequence of your apparent failure to exercise proper supervision over your men,” Verzosa said.

The PNP said Verzosa announced the directive during last weeks commander conference held right after the PNP's celebration of its 19th founding anniversary.

The PNP said that a total of 40 out of the 567 people arrested for gun ban violations are policemen. It said the policemen are now facing criminal and administrative charges for violating the Comelec's nationwide election gun ban.

Verzosa said the number of police violators is "unacceptable," insisting that no one among the police organization should violate the ban.

“We must send a strong and very clear signal to every policeman that the government is serious in the campaign against illegal possession and carrying of firearms anywhere by anyone especially in line with our pursuit of ensuring the conduct of honest, orderly and peaceful elections this May..." the top cop said.