Lim tells PNP to enforce Comelec gun ban

Interior and Local Government Secretary Alfredo Lim has ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to strictly enforce the almost six-month gun ban imposed yesterday by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

The ban will be in place until June 13 or about a month after the local and congressional elections.

In a resolution, the Comelec has asked the PNP and the Armed Forces to implement a total gun ban nationwide starting yesterday to ensure peaceful, honest and orderly elections on May 14.

Lim also called on private gun owners as well as policemen and soldiers who are not exempted by the gun ban to strictly follow his instructions.

"My directive is for the PNP to strictly enforce the gun ban regulation without fear or favor and to effect the arrest of violators," he said.

Lim said the gun ban covers the bearing, carrying, and transporting of firearms and other deadly weapons by any person who has not been exempted by the Comelec.

However, Lim said any person facing imminent threat to his life may ask the Comelec for exemption from the ban, provided that he is able to prove that the threat exists. –Cecille Suerte-Felipe