BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – Both the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) and Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) are set to enforce the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban beginning Jan. 9 which is also the start of the election period.
BCPO spokesperson Police Lieutenant Liberty Indiape reminded the public, especially those holding firearms license, that it would be illegal to carry guns outside of their homes effective 12:01 a.m. from Jan. 9 until the end of the election period on June 8.
Simultaneous checkpoints will be installed in strategic areas of the city in coordination with Comelec.
NOCPPO spokesperson Lieutenant Abegael Donasco, meanwhile, said NOCPPO director Police Colonel Romy Palgue ordered all police chiefs in the province to install checkpoints in their respective areas of responsibility and to make sure that they are following the guidelines of the Comelec.
Donasco said they have already recalled all cops serving as police escorts of local politicians in accordance with the rules and regulations set by the Comelec.
Donasco also reminded civilians who want to be exempted from the gun ban to immediately coordinate and apply for an exemption with the Comelec, after which they will undergo validation with Philippine National Police (PNP) to find out if their reason for seeking exemption is valid.
Anyone caught carrying a firearm will be charged with violating the Comelec resolution on the gun ban as well as additional charges related to Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
During the gun ban only uniformed personnel of the PNP, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other law enforcement agencies are allowed to carry firearms during the Comelec gun ban period./PN
