Gun ban starts Saturday

CEBU, Philippines – The Comelec gun ban starts this weekend simultaneous with the suspension of authority to employ or avail the services of security personnel in connection with the October 25 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

The Commission on Elections promulgated Monday resolution no. 9028 which prohibits the bearing, carrying or transporting of firearms or other deadly weapons in public places, including any building, street, park, private vehicle or public conveyance by anybody even if licensed to possess or carry the same.

"Only regular members of the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other law enforcement agencies of the government who are duly deputized in writing by the commission may be authorized to carry and possess firearms during the election period," the resolution reads.

However, authority to carry is invalid if the officer is not in full uniform showing clearly and legibly his name, rank and serial number, which shall remain visible at all times. The officer must also be in the actual performance of his election duty in the specific area designated by the Commission.

Veronico Petalcorin, Comelec-7 acting director, said that they are also prohibiting the hiring of bodyguards by any candidate including incumbent seeking reelection unless the commission allows them in writing after thorough threat assessment.

This policy is not limited to the candidates because even the bodyguards of private individuals and detailed police bodyguards of elected officials such as mayors and governors among others shall be recalled unless they apply for exemption from the Comelec.

Petalcorin said that application for exemption must be filed before September 25 because once the election period officially starts, those who are not given temporary authority to hire bodyguards will be liable for violations of the Comelec resolution no. 9028.

"Once they apply to us, we will give them a temporary authority for 30 days. After that, they will know whether the Comelec granted their exemption or not," Petalcorin said.

Election period starts September 25 and ends on November 10.

Petalcorin stressed that private individuals who will be granted exemption can only hire security personnel from accredited security agencies of Comelec. He said that there are three private security firms accredited by Comelec in Cebu which they are set to meet on Thursday.

Details of the guidelines for gun ban and availment of security details can be access through the Comelec website under Comelec Resolution No. 9028. (FREEMAN)