Anad Party-list laments Comelec’s inaction on request for security escort

CEBU, Philippines - Anti-communist Rep. Pastor Alcover Jr. of the Alliance for Nationalism and Democracy (ANAD) Party-list remains no security escort since the national campaign started over a month ago.

Alcover said the Commission on Elections has yet to act on his request to allow him to have two security escorts.

“In view of the staunch anti-communist advocacy of the ANAD Party-list and the standing death sentence issued in absentia by the Kangaroo Court of the CPP-NPA-NDF against the undersigned, the ANAD Party-list strongly believes that the threat to the life of the undersigned has become more pronounced due to the upcoming elections,” said Alcover in his letter dated February 22, 2013.

The office of Comelec chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. received the letter on February 25, 2013.

Alcover also furnished copy of his letter to the office of Police Director-General Alan Purisima, the chief of the Philippine National Police.

“Maunsa gani ko tungod aning gun ban, ipada gyud ko ning akong lawas sa Comelec (If anything happens to me because of the gun ban I will have my body brought before the Comelec),” Alcover told The FREEMAN.

Alcover earlier filed House Bill No. 6873 seeking for gun ban exemption for specific class of persons during election periods.

HB No. 6873 entitled, “ An Act Establishing the Class of Persons Exempted From Gun Ban During Election Periods and to Ensure that the Maintenance of Peace and Order Shall Remain the Sole Responsibility of the Philippine National Police.”

“When guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns!” said Alcover.

Alcover said that the Comelec mandated gun ban during election period (national, local, plebiscite, referendum, and special election) are usually against responsible gun owners with firearm (FA) license.

But, criminal elements and loose (unlicensed) firearms are not covered by it resulting in a situation where licensed firearm holders (trained and subject to preconditions set by law) have become easy preys of lawless elements.

Alcover said that the imposition of gun ban is biased against and prejudicial to responsible gun owners but does not serve the purpose of curbing loose firearms nor has it deterred the activities of criminals and other lawless elements.—(FREEMAN)