Police remind firearm owners election gunban starts Sunday

CEBU, Philippines — The Police Regional Office in Central Visayas-7 will implement the election gun ban starting Sunday.

Chief Superintendent Debold Sinas said that by January 13, they will be conducting a synchronized checkpoint in the whole region.

Those who will be arrested for bringing their firearms, with or without license and other documents will be charged with violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition law and the election gun ban.

“We will launch the region-wide checkpoint.  Those who will be caught who do not have gun ban exemptions will be charged,” Sinas said.

Based on the Commission on Elections Resolution No. 10197, possession of firearms will be “strictly prohibited” to all civilians starting January 13 but with special exemptions to personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other government law enforcement agencies, if they secure a permit from the Comelec.

“During the election period, no person shall bear, carry or transport firearms or other deadly weapons in public places, including any building, street, park, private vehicle or public conveyance, even if licensed to carry the same, unless authorized in writing by the Commissions” the resolution reads.

“Only regular members of the PNP, AFP and other law enforcement agencies of the government who are duly deputized in writing by the Commission for election duty, may be authorized to carry and possess firearms during the election period,” it further states.

The regulation elaborated that law enforcement personnel who are allowed to carry firearms must be in full uniform, “showing clearly and legibly his name”.

A deputized law enforcer must remain visible, in his performance of election duty in the specific area designated by the COMELEC. (FREEMAN)