PNP reminds cops on gun ban policy

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) reiterated yesterday that only police officers and military personnel as well as law enforcement agents with exemption from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) could carry firearms during the gun ban.

PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor issued the reminder after a fifth member of the police force was arrested for violation of the gun ban.

According to the PNP, the latest violator is PO1 Alexander Carolino Abad of the 1st Maneuver Company, Regional Public Safety Battalion based in Barangay Poblacion, Taytay, Palawan.

The four policemen earlier arrested for violating the Omnibus Election Code were PO2 Reynaldo Pilapil Daming Jr., assigned at the aviation security group in Pasay City; SPO2 Lito Mengullo, detailed at Camp Crame in Quezon City and PO1 Michael Tabarangao and PO1 Marvin Tianio Granada, both of the National Capital Region Police Office.

Mayor said only policemen and members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), including blue guards and other government security agencies, are allowed to carry firearms during work hours in their areas of responsibility.

“The penalty for election violation is from one year to six years imprisonment and perpetual disqualification from government service. If you are a government employee, the penalty carries disqualification from re-employment and you cannot vote,” he added.

The gun ban started on Jan. 9 in time for the start of the election period.

Of the 746 violators arrested as of 8 a.m. yesterday, 711 were civilians, five were police personnel, 11 government employees, 12 security guards, five members of law enforcement agencies and two were members of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit.

The PNP intensified the implementation of the election gun ban to ensure the peaceful conduct of the May elections.

The Comelec has amended the gun ban policy to allow incumbent senators and congressmen running in this year’s elections to carry firearms.