Gun ban imposed in BARMM

As election period starts today

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is implementing a gun ban in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao as the 60-day election period for the first BARMM parliamentary polls starts today.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia yesterday said checkpoints have been set up in different areas in the region to strictly implement the gun ban and other election-related regulations.

Garcia said the Provincial Joint Security Command Center in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police and the Philippine Coast Guard drafted security plans for the BARMM parliamentary elections.

“I am assuring the Bang-samoro people that their rights will not be violated now that checkpoints have been set up in key points in the region,” Garcia said.

He said no area in the BARMM has been placed under Comelec control so far,  and the region is generally peaceful at this time.

Unless authorized by the Comelec, no one is allowed to carry or transport firearms or other deadly weapons during the election period, which is until Oct. 28.

The use of security personnel or bodyguards by election candidates, unless authorized in writing by the poll body, as well as organizing or maintaining reaction or strike forces are also prohibited.

Without Comelec approval, suspension of elective provincial, city, municipal or barangay officials, and transfer or detail of officers and employees in the civil service are not allowed during the election period.

Garcia said the Comelec will launch a campaign against vote-buying, noting a recent ruling of the Supreme Court authorizing the poll body to act against the illegal practice in future electoral exercises.

“One of the challenges the Comelec is facing and will fight is vote-buying. The notion that vote-buying is a part of our culture and history is not acceptable,” Garcia said.