Applications for gun ban exemption may be filed online at Comelec website

MANILA, Philippines — Applications for the gun ban exemption during the election season can now be accomplished and submitted online to the Commission on Elections.

In a statement, Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said a special link has been made available at the poll body’s official website, www.comelec.gov.ph, for the issuance of Certificates of Authority to bear, carry or transport firearms or deadly weapons in connection with the 2016 elections.

During the election period, from January 10, 2016 to June 8, 2016, people are prohibited from bearing, carrying or transporting firearms or deadly weapons outside of residence or places of business.

Firearms and other deadly weapons are also prohibited in all public places during the election period, including any building, street, park and in private vehicles or public conveyances, even if a person is licensed or authorized to possess or carry the same, unless authorized by the Commission, through the Committee on the Ban on Firearms and Security Personnel (CBSFP).

In Resolution No. 10015, which outlined the “rules and regulations on the ban on the bearing, carrying or transporting of firearms and other deadly weapons and the employment, availment or engagement of the services of security personnel or body guards during the election period of the May 9, 2016 synchronized national and local elections,” the Comelec En Banc ruled that “only the Commission, through the CBFSP, has the sole and exclusive power to issue Certificates of Authority (CA).”  SFM