Both the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office and the Bacolod City Police are all set to implement the Comelec gun ban on Jan. 9, in line with the start of the May 9 election period.
Simultaneous checkpoints are expected to be established in key areas of Bacolod City and in different towns and cities of Negros Occidental.
P/Lt. Liberty Indiape, deputy spokesperson of the BCPO, reminded the public, and even licensed firearm holders, to refrain from bringing their guns outside of their homes, unless they have exemption papers from the Comelec.
P/Lt. Abegael Donasco, NOCPPO deputy spokesperson, said all police personnel manning checkpoints should strictly observe the guidelines of Comelec.
Donasco also said they already recalled all cops serving as police escorts of local politicians, in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Commission on Elections.
Anyone caught carrying a firearm will be charged for violation of the Comelec resolution on the gun ban, and additional charges under Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms.
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. – GB
