Gun ban imposed in Cabanatuan

CABANATUAN CITY—The Philippine National Police has imposed a gun ban in this city as the election period for the change of Cabanatuan’s status started Monday.

But police officials have yet to ascertain if the suspension of permits to carry firearms covers law enforcers from areas outside the city when they transact business at the provincial police headquarters here.

The gun ban will be lifted on Dec. 11, 10 days after the Dec. 1 plebiscite that would determine if voters would ratify Cabanatuan’s change in status to a highly urbanized city (HUC).

President Benigno Aquino III, on July 4, signed Proclamation No. 418 declaring HUC status for Cabanatuan following a resolution from the city council after it had met the minimum requirements under the Local Government Code.

Founded as a barrio of Gapan in 1750, Cabanatuan became a town in 1780 and was converted into a component city of Nueva Ecija through Republic Act No. 526 in 1950.

The Commission of Elections’ (Comelec) Resolution No. 9548 adopts Section 32 of RA 7166 (the 1991 law on the synchronization of the national and local elections) on the gun ban, according to Senior Superintendent Walter Castillejos, provincial police director.

The resolution said the ban covers the bringing of firearms in public areas and vehicles, even if these are licensed, “unless authorized in writing by the [Comelec].”

During the election period, the issuance of firearms licenses is suspended as well. Armand Galang, Inquirer Central Luzon