For May 2007 polls: Comelec now issuing gun ban exemptions

Police Regional Office-7 informed their police units that the Commission on Elections already started accepting applicants for the gun ban exemption for the 2007 polls.

In a memorandum signed by Regional Operations and Plans Division chief, Police Senior Supt. Carmelo Valmoria, to the city and provincial directors, the military and private security agencies can now apply for the exemption.

The Comelec gun ban is set to start its effectivity this January 14 though Comelec Resolution Nos. 7764 and 7765.

During this period, any member of the PNP, AFP, and other law enforcement units including private security agencies and licensed gun holders are prohibited from bringing their firearms without the special permit that only the Comelec can issue.

A letter sent by Commissioner Necodemo Ferrer, committee on Firearms and Security Personnel in-charge of the Comelec, stated that "only this committee can facilitate applications for the issuance of gun ban exemptions provided that the firearms are properly documented."

The committee will be collecting fees for the processing. For government employees, P500 per firearm will be collected, P250 for PNP and AFP personnel, and P30 for every firearm owned by a private security agency.

While for transporting firearms from one place to another, one will have to pay P60 a piece and explosives shall be collected with P0.60 fee per kilogram.

Government employees including the PNP, AFP and law enforcement units must submit the completed application form, letter of request, appointment order and photocopy of the firearms or memorandum receipts.

Private security agencies must complete the same procedure except the appointment order. They will have to submit the authenticated copy of license to operate, notarized copy of the agency firearm disposition master list and notarized copy of the monthly disposition report.

The imposition of the Omnibus Election Code and Sections 32 and 33 of Republic Act 7166 is meant to ensure a clean, honest, orderly and peaceful elections, scheduled for May this year. - Edwin Ian Melecio