Election gun ban starts

CEBU, Philippines —  As the ban on firearms begins, Police Regional Office-7 Director Eduardo Roque Vega has reminded the public to be vigilant at all times as police have also intensified their checkpoints at strategic areas for the whole Central Visayas.

In a statement released by the PRO-7 Information Office, the region is not intensifying checkpoints but is also strengthening anti-criminality campaigns in the region.

"Nanawagan ako sa publiko na maging mapagmatyag sa lahat ng oras upang maiwasan ang mabiktima ng mga mapagsamantalang indibidwal lalong-lalo na sa panahon ng halalan," said Vega in a statement.

"I urge every police officer to display the highest degree of professionalism, integrity, and dedication in performing our mandated tasks to the public to ensure a peaceful, safe, and secure national and local election this year," he added.

The checkpoints have begun at 12:01 a.m. on January 9 and will end on June 8, 2022 as mandated by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) that suspends all license to carry firearms except for law enforcers.

"Checkpoints will be conducted in strategic locations in the region and strictly prohibit the carrying or transport of firearms or other deadly weapons by unauthorized persons," said Vega.

According to the statement of the PRO-7, the PNP national headquarters has directed regional offices nationwide to provide joint checkpoints to implement “anti-criminality and police operations against loose firearms, deadly weapons, unauthorized security personnel, private armed groups (PAGs), and other lawless criminals during the election period”.

These checkpoints may be located in the existing quarantine and border control points particularly in areas under alert level three or higher.

Under the resolution, the issuance of the firearms licenses shall be suspended during the election period while the exemption to this are regular members of the PNP, AFP as well as members of other law enforcement agencies provided that they are in uniform and are performing official duties.

Violation of the resolution shall be penalized with imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than six months and shall not be subject to probation.

The person found guilty shall suffer disqualification to hold public office and be deprived of the right to vote. — GMR (FREEMAN)