Comelec-Negros Occ urges gun holders to heed gun ban

CEBU, Philippines - Negros Occidental provincial election supervisor Jessie Suarez called on gun holders to comply with the gun ban starting 12:01 a.m., today (January 13).

Checkpoints will be set up around the province as well as spot checkpoints if needed, Suarez said. "For those holding guns, this is a total gun ban. Only those members of the law enforcement agencies are authorized to carry firearms," he said.

Suarez however cited some conditions. The police and the military, when carrying firearms, should be in their proper uniform and are conducting or performing their duties as state peace keepers, he said.

Private gun holders are not exempted, but they can hire security personnel to protect them if they have death threats, although this matter is subject to certain regulations, said Suarez.

Candidates from congressmen down to councilors are also not exempted from carrying guns but they can hire blue guards or security personnel who are licensed and have undergone training in protecting VIPs, he said.

Suarez said there are only two accredited blue guard training centers in Western Visayas and they are found in Iloilo City, while none in Negros Occidental. Security agencies shall submit to the Comelec a list of their security guards and the firearms they are using, he said.

The Comelec is in constant coordination with the police and the military for plans and contingencies related to the election period that runs until June 12 of this year, Suarez added.  (FREEMAN)