PPCRV seeks early gun ban implementation

MANILA, Philippines - The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) is pressing for the implementation of the total gun ban during the election period and not grant any exemption to prevent politicians with threats from running in the next elections.

In a letter sent to the Commission on Elections (Comelec), the PPCRV said the early implementation of a total gun ban would make aspirants reconsider their plans to file their certificate of candidacy (COC) to stop the threats and protect their families.  

“When a candidate is threatened, the candidate must think of his family that needs him more than the country does,” the PPCRV said.

PPCRV said allowing candidates to campaign with armed bodyguards will only sow fear among the voters and set a bad example to the people.

“Candidates who are afraid to die are not fit to serve,” the PPCRV added.

Aside from police and military officers, PPCRV said the exemption from the election gun ban should be limited only to the security of the president, vice president, Senate president, House speaker and the chief justice.

Meanwhile, Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said the killing of Mayor Randy Climaco of Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay last Monday could not yet be considered as election-related pending the outcome of the investigation.

He said the killing happened before the start of the election period, which is in January.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ricardo Marquez ordered the deployment of additional policemen in Zamboanga Sibugay to secure the province.

Marquez said they are still assessing the overall situation to identify the areas of concern.

When asked about the possible motive in the attack, Marquez said investigation is still ongoing.

Jimenez said the Comelec should first conduct a thorough evaluation before declaring an incident election-related so as to avoid misconception that the coming elections would be violent.

He said the Comelec would also have to wait for the recommendation of the PNP before the poll body could impose the gun ban before the start of election period.

“We cannot just impose a gun ban outside the election period because such period is provided under the law. If we will impose a gun ban outside election period, the Comelec needs the PNP recommendation,” he said.

Jimenez said the Comelec would soon hold a command conference with PNP to determine which places nationwide should be considered “areas of concern.” – With Cecille Suerte Felipe