ILOILO City – Beginning its implementation on Monday, Aug. 28, a 43-year-old man was arrested yesterday in Barangay President Roxas, City Proper district, becoming the first to violate the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban.
Taken to Iloilo City Police Station 1 was Ramon Dapita of Barangay Cabugao Norte, Pavia, town. He was caught carrying a 12-inch knife around 12:58 a.m.
Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) director Colonel Joeresty Coronica said police flagged Dapita for not wearing a helmet while driving his motorcycle.
He also failed to produce his driver’s license and other pertinent documents.
Coronica again urged the public not to bring firearms without a Comelec exemption or other deadly weapons.
The gun ban period started on Aug. 28 until Nov. 29, coinciding with the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan election period.
Under Comelec Resolution No. 10918, the Committee on the Ban on Firearms and Security Concerns, headed by Commissioner Aimee Ferolino as Chairperson, is assigned to issue Certificates of Authority (CA) to those exempted from the gun ban.
Unless authorized by the poll body through a CA, the following acts are prohibited during the election period:
1.) To bear, carry, or transport firearms and other deadly weapons outside a residence or place of business and in all public places;
2.) To employ, avail of, or engage the services of security personnel and bodyguards; and
3.) To transport or deliver firearms and explosives, including their parts, ammunition, and/or components.
According to the Comelec, these prohibitions are considered election offenses punishable with imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than six years without probation, permanent disqualification to hold public office and deprivation of the right of suffrage./PN
