PNP intel personnel to bring uniform to comply with gun ban

CEBU, Philippines - The police will not seek exemption for their men who are on duty, but are not in uniform from the gun ban being implemented by the Commission on Elections in line with the May polls.

In a conference with Comelec and PNP officials yesterday, Sr. Supt. Erson Digal, the newly appointed Cebu Provincial Police Office Director, said they will “not fight the problem,” but would instead find means to follow the ban.

Comelec earlier said the police can be exempted from the ban as long as they are in uniform, but a concern was raised on intelligence personnel who are oftentimes not in uniform when on duty.

Digal said one possible solution is for intelligence personnel to keep their uniforms in handy so they can wear them at checkpoints.

“Magdala nalang ug uniform if dili jud kalikayan. Hinuon, magkaila man jud mi mga pulis gawas lang ug lain nga lugar na assign,” Digal said.

 Digal said he already instructed his men to intensify checkpoints, as well as monitoring of access points of criminals from other places like ports. He said the southern town of Samboan is one of the possible entry points that the police is keeping an eye on.

“Kaning Samboan mao sab ni sa usa nga among gibantayan kay naay barko diha. Naa gani Roro boats nga pwede magdala og sakyanan,” Digal said.

Digal said he already coordinated with Col. Raymundo Bañares, chief of the 78th Infantry Battalion to help intensify the campaign against criminals.

Also present in yesterday’s conference were Provincial Election Officer Lionel Castillano and Regional Election Officer Rene Buac, and chiefs of police of component cities and municipalities.

Meanwhile, a 46-year-old habal-habal driver was arrested for illegal possession of firearm in Poblacion 2, Malabuyoc town.

Police arrested Efren Fernandez Apol at a checkpoint after he was found in possession of a .22 caliber revolver with seven live ammunitions. — Gabriel C. Bonjoc/JMO   (FREEMAN NEWS)