SK, barangay poll gun ban starts on Saturday

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has reminded gun owners on Friday not to carry their firearms in public without an exemption from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) as the gun ban for the barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan elections starts on Saturday.

PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. John Bulalacao said the gun ban as declared by the Comelec for the May 14 barangay polls, takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, which is the start of the election period. The ban will end on May 21, or two weeks after the elections.

“Inaasahan ‘yung ating kababayan para hindi sila magkaroon ng problema tungkol sa kanilang mga baril ay ‘wag na muna nilang dadalhin dahil bawal na bawal na magdala tayo ng baril lalo na sa labas ng ating bahay kung wala tayong gun ban exemption from the Comelec,” Bulalacao said in an interview with Radyo Inquirer.

(We’d like to urge the public, so that they will not face any problems with their firearms, not to bring their guns outside their homes especially if they do not have any gun ban exemption from the Comelec.)

Bulalacao said anyone who wants to bring their guns in public should first secure a gun ban exemption from the Comelec.

Anyone who would be found violating the election gun ban will be arrested for illegal possession of firearms and violating the election rules.

Bulalacao also reminded police officers to strictly observe operational protocols in conducting checkpoints. He said all checkpoints should be put-up in well-lit places with all policemen manning checkpoints in proper police uniform and being led by an officer. Checkpoints should also be clearly identified by a signage informing vehicles to stop for inspection.

Bulalacao said police officers manning checkpoints are only allowed to conduct a visual search of vehicles through the vehicle windows and should not require passengers to step-out.

The only time authorities may order passenger to get off the vehicle is when he or she is identified as a subject of an arrest warrant, Bulalacao said.     /muf