ILOILO City – Since the gun ban for the synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections was imposed on April 14, the number of violators has risen to 14.
Data from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) showed the following breakdown of violations per area as of April 22:
* Aklan – 2
* Antique – 1
* Capiz – 2
* Iloilo – 2
* Negros Occidental – 2
* Iloilo City – 1
* Bacolod City – 4
Not a single gun ban violation was reported in the island province of Guimaras.
All the 14 violators apprehended were civilians, according to Comelec.
The one caught in Antique was a government official, Comelec data showed.
Seized from these violators were three pistols, one revolver, two shotguns, a sumpak, three bladed weapons, and 22 live ammunitions.
All permits to carry firearms outside of residence (PTCFOR) are suspended until May 21.
The barangay and SK elections are on May 14.
According to the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6), only police officers and government troops in proper uniform are allowed to carry firearms.
Private security agencies and other government law enforcement agencies should get gun ban exemptions from Comelec or their personnel with guns would be arrested, said Chief Superintendent Cesar Hawthorne Binag, regional police director.
“Nobody is allowed to carry firearms outside of their residences without exemption from the Comelec,” stressed Binag.
To further ensure peace and order during the election period, there would be police checkpoints.
Policemen manning checkpoints must be in their proper uniform, said Binag.
The checkpoint itself must be well-lighted and must have the visible sign “Stop PNP Checkpoint,” he added.
“We appeal to the public. Please cooperate with us. Expect more police personnel on the road. We will enhance our presence,” said Binag./PN
