Army deploys troops from Nueva Ecija to help enforce gun ban

Policemen inspect a vehicle at a Comelec checkpoint along the Quintos bridge in Downtown Dagupan City at the start of the election gun ban on Monday, Jan 10. (Photo by Willie Lomibao)

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija — An augmentation team from the Philippine Army’s 7th Infantry Division (ID) based here was deployed to help Philippine National Police in enforcing the gun ban ahead of the national and local elections in May, an army official said Monday.

In a statement, Maj. Gen. Andrew Costelo, 7th ID commander, said the Army troops would be assisting the police personnel in manning several checkpoints.

Costelo said only bonafide police, military, and members of government law enforcement agencies, who are in complete uniform and on official duty, are allowed to carry firearms for the entire duration of the elections period.

He also called on the public to abide by the law and cooperate with the authorities at the checkpoints.

Costelo assured that the Army has been committed to supporting “fair, honest, peaceful, and secure elections.”

“Preserving the integrity of the national and local elections is vital in the exercise of the Filipino people in their right to suffrage,” Costelo said.

He added: “That is why, as part of our sworn duty to serve and protect the people in the exercise of their rights is paramount to us.” INQ