MANILA (UPDATED) - A total of 327 people have been arrested in Metro Manila since January 7 for violating the election gun ban, police said Friday.

Police also seized 180 firearms, 9 hand grenades and explosives, and 75 deadly weapons from the violators, according to Chief Inspector Kimberly Gonzales.

The gun ban violators were arrested with the help of more than 3,300 checkpoints set up across Metro Manila, Gonzales said in a press statement.

More law enforcers have also been deployed on patrols to secure vital installations and public places, she said.

Metro Manila police regional chief Director Leonardo Espina said the public should not be afraid of the checkpoints.

He ordred police commanders to ensure strict observance of Philippine National Police (PNP) rules and regulations in the proper conduct of police checkpoints.

He warned that police officers who will violate rules on checkpoints will face charges.

"Ako'y nanawagan sa ating mga kababayaan sa kanilang patuloy na pakikipagtulungan at pakikipag-ugnayan sa ating mga kapulisan. Sapagkat kayo ang higit na nakakakilala sa mga tao sa inyong kumunidad, kaya kung kayo ay may namataang mga kaduda-dudang tao, aktibidad, sasakyan sa inyong lugar ay ipagbigay alam kaagad sa amin upang makagawa kaagad ng kaulang aksyon ang inyong pulisya." Espina said.

The number of election gun ban violators nationwide has climbed to 1,432, according to police.

Data from the PNP showed that 17 government officials, 18 policemen, 92 security guards and about 1,300 civilians have been arrested since the gun ban was implemented in January.

Police have also confiscated a total of 1,446 firearms. -- with a report from Edwin Sevidal, dzMM