FILE PHOTO: Philippine National Police
LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte–The Ilocos Norte Provincial Police Office (INPPO) has issued a warning against the carrying and transport of gun replicas during the gun ban period for the 2023 barangay and Sanggunian Kabataan elections which is set to begin on Monday, Aug. 28.
In a press briefing on Saturday, Aug. 26, Major Jephre Taccad, information officer of INPPO, said that the penalties for carrying real guns will be imposed on those bearing replica guns, including toy guys, airguns, airsoft guns, antique firearms, and other replicas or imitations of firearms.
Taccad said that these gun replicas are usually carried to instill fear among rival election candidates and their supporters.
The INPPO added that individuals cannot bear, carry or transport firearms, and other deadly weapons when its possession is not necessary to the occupation of the possessor, outside their residence or place of business.
This applies even though their firearms are licensed, said Taccad.
Only individuals who have applied and obtained a certificate of authority from the Comelec can bear firearms during elections.