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MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has started accepting applications for exemption to the election gun ban in preparation for the 2022 national and local elections.
In a statement, PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos said the PNP would assist the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in processing the Certifications of Authority that would be filed, by providing an assessment of the level of threat that an aspirant may face.
“The PNP will assist in the issuance of threat assessment and will endorse the approval to grant to application, through the Joint Security and Control Center (JSCC), if it is deemed urgent and necessary,” Carlos said on Tuesday.
According to PNP’s Public Information Office (PNP-PIO), under Comelec Resolution No. 10728, the gun ban and the removal of security detail would run from January 9, 2022, to June 8, 2022 or after the May 9 elections.
The police officers who are part of a politician’s security detail will be recalled by the PNP and would undergo a refresher course about protecting candidates.
“All the political aspirants will be informed through a letter that their security detail will be recalled. Meanwhile, all recalled police security detail are programmed to undergo the VIP Security and Protection Refresher Course,” PNP-PIO said.
PNP-PIO also noted that in line with the restrictions regarding COVID-19, online applications may be done through Comelec’s website, www.comelec.gov.ph.
The following documents are required from applicants:
CBFSC Form No. 2022-06 downloadable through the Comelec website
2×2 photograph
Threat assessment
CBFSC Form No. 2022A-06DA (Certified by the concerned government agency
The gun ban is being implemented by the PNP and the Comelec to control possible election-related violence especially in areas with a history of poll violence.
High-ranking government officials such as the President are still exempted from the gun ban and from the removal of their respective security details.
“Exempted from the recall of security detail are government officials namely; President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Secretary of National Defense, Secretary of the Interior and Local Government, Chairman and Commissioners of Comelec, Chief of Staff, AFP, AFP Major Service Commanders, Chief, PNP and Senior Officers of the PNP,” the PNP-PIO said.