Palace: Gun ban important for 2016 polls

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Sunday said the strict implementation of gun ban during the election period is one of the most important parts of the preparation of election.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said gun ban is one of the most effective ways to ensure the public safety during the election.

“Mahalagang aspeto ng paghahanda para sa isang mapayapa at maayos na eleksyon ‘yung pagpapatupad ng gun ban,” Coloma said in an interview with Radyo ng Bayan.

“’Yung pagpigil sa maling paggamit o iligal na paggamit ng armas ang isa sa pinaka-epektibong paraan para matiyak ‘yung seguridad ng mga mamamayan at ‘yung kaayusan ng ating halalan.,” he added.

Coloma made the statement as the 151 election-day period for May 9 national and local elections and the nationwide gun ban and other election-related bans commenced on Sunday.

He cited that the 2013 election has been successful due to the gun ban.

The Palace official said the police and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) coordinated in putting up organized checkpoints placed in strategic places to prevent people carrying or transporting firearms or deadly weapons from January 10 to June 8.

The poll body will suspend the permits of firearms owners with the exception of those issued with Certificate of Authority.

“Kaya masinsing ipapatupad ito ng ating mga kagawad ng PNP at Sandatahang Lakas na deputized ng Comelec para sa layuning ito ng pagtitiyak sa kaayusan ng halalan sa ating bansa,” Coloma said.