BY RYAN DAVE PORAL
ILOILO City – For a peaceful October barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan election (BSKE), Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) director Colonel Joeresty Coronica urged the public to abide by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban.
“We should follow ang rules nga i-implement sang aton kapulisan, because our objective amo ang mapatawhay ang aton barangay kag Sangguniang Kabataan elections,” Coronica said.
Beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Aug. 28, carrying or transporting firearms or other deadly weapons in public places will be prohibited.
This also marks the beginning of the election period, which will last until Nov. 29.
“Through the gun ban, we will be able to prevent possible crimes with the use of firearms. In fact, subong pa lang we have been very active with our campaign for gun holders whose firearm licenses have expired to surrender, ilabi na gid ang mga naga hold sang armas nga wala sang lisensiya o mga loose,” Coronica added.
During the election period, no person shall 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 possess or carry the same, unless authorized in writing by the Comelec.
According to Coronica, the ICPO and the Comelec will meet on Aug. 25 to finalize plans.
“Initially, may ara na kita nga schedule for a conference together with the Comelec on the 25th. Amo pa na ang pag-finalize naton. Pero ang practice, on the first day, may ara simultaneous Comelec checkpoint,” Coronica said.
The complete Comelec calendar of activities is as follows:
* election period and gun ban – Aug. 28 to Nov. 29
* filing of certificate of candidacy – Aug. 28 to Sept. 2
* campaign ban – Sept. 3 to Oct. 18
* campaign period – Oct. 19 to 28
* liquor ban, campaign ban – Oct. 29 to 30
* election day – Oct. 30
* last day of filing statement of contributions and expenditures – Nov. 29/PN
