MANILA, (PNA) — Malacanang assured that the Philippine National Police (PNP) is strictly enforcing Commission on Election (Comelec) gun ban in ensuring free, orderly, honest, peaceful, and credible Barangay Elections on October 28.
In an interview aired over government-run radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on Sunday, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte warned the public to strictly adhere to Comelec regulation following reports that several people have been arrested by the PNP for gun ban violation.
“Ang importante naman sa ating PNP ay ipagpatuloy ang kanilang pagpapatrolya at pag-e-establish ng mga checkpoint, in coordination with the COMELEC, para ma-implement nang maayos itong gun ban,” Valte said.
The 45-day ban on carrying firearms and employing security personnel in public officially started September 28, the start of the election period.
“Pursuant to Comelec Resolution No. 9715 which prescribed the calendar of activities and period of prohibited acts in connection with the October 28, 2013 Barangay Elections, a gun ban will be imposed beginning September 28, 2013 until November 12, 2013,” according to the official website of the Comelec.
The election period is 30 days before the date of the elections and 15 days after.
The filing of candidacy starts on October 15 until October 17.
The violation of the ban on carrying firearms and employing security personnel carry a fine of one to six years imprisonment, permanent disqualification to hold public office, and deprivation of the right to vote.
Comelec Resolution No. 9735 provides the gun owners who were given exemption during the May 13 elections will enjoy the privilege of carrying their guns outside of their residence during the conduct of the barangay elections without renewing their permits.
However, the resolution provides that “approved applications for employment/availment/engagement of security personnel/agencies during the May 13, 2013 National and Local Elections will be subjected to renewal for purposes of the October 28, 2013 Barangay Elections.”