Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – Commission on Elections Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. on Sunday said the start of the nationwide gun ban “does not suspend” the rights of the people, reminding the public to assert their rights at all times.
The five-month total gun ban covers everyone, except those from government agencies that are given an automatic exemption by the election body.
Under the Omnibus Election Code, carrying firearms outside residences or in places of business is an election offense punishable by up to six years in prison and disqualification from holding public office and exercising suffrage.
Through Resolution No. 9588, the Comelec en banc said at least one checkpoint, to be led by a regular member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines or the Philippine National Police, must be set up for each city or town. There are 135 cities and 1,493 municipalities in the country.
“Start of the gun ban does not suspend your constitutional rights against illegal searches and seizure. Know and assert your rights at all times,” Brillantes said in his official Twitter account.
“I pray for a clean, honest, orderly and successful 2013 elections. May God bless us all!” he added.
National Capital Region Police Office director Chief Supt. Leonardo Espina promised an intensified crackdown on loose firearms during the election period.
The move came amid calls for stricter gun control following the carnage in Kawit, Cavite, and the death of two children from guns in New Year revelries.
“As the chief of the Metro police, I order this time there will be a serious crackdown on loose firearms. We will be aggressive about this,” Espina said in a phone interview.
“The checkpoints will be conducted to implement the gun ban, but more to check for loose firearms and criminals,” he added.
He said all units in all Metro Manila stations are tasked to carry out the checkpoints, in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Comelec.
He reminded the public that legitimate checkpoints would be well-lit and manned by a uniformed team of law enforcers led by an officer; would have a sign indicating it is a checkpoint; and would be in the vicinity of a marked police vehicle.
Though police are exempted from the gun ban, Espina said the NCRPO has submitted a list of their firearm-carrying roster to the Comelec. He added his personnel are required to be in full uniform to carry their service-issued firearms. With a report from Jaymee Gamil