By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan | Philippine News Agency
MANILA – The week-long checkpoints related to the 2022 national elections have netted 144 gun ban violators so far.
A total of 121 firearms have been confiscated as of 6:00 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 16. A total of 512 illegal weapons have been seized, including gun replicas.
“Naki-usap naman kami, nagbigay kami ng maagang impormasyon. Gun ban, huwag tayo magdala ng baril (We issued appeals before the establishment of checkpoints. Gun ban, do not bring weapons),” Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos said in a radio interview on Sunday.
As a deputized agency of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Carlos said the PNP will ensure the peaceful and orderly conduct of the May 9 polls.
The gun ban will last until June 8.
“Ang aming intensyon (Our intention) is to perform professionally for a peaceful elections. Kung gusto natin talaga ng peaceful, tayo-tayo magsama sama, ang botante, taumbayan at higit sa lahat yung ating mga kandidato na huwag tayo gumamit ng dahas, maging fair tayo (If we want peace, let’s unite, including voters, the general public, and the candidates not to resort to violence and to be fair),” Carlos said.
Four active private armed groups have been monitored in Region 12 (Soccsksargen) and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Pursuant to Comelec Resolution No. 10728, the PNP suspended the validity of all Permits to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence issued to licensed holders, juridical entities, and members of government law enforcement agencies.
Also suspended are permits issued by the PNP to transport firearms, ammunition, explosives, public firearms display, and exhibits, as well as employment of security personnel.
As a general rule, only bonafide police, military, and members of government law enforcement agencies in complete uniform and while on official duty are allowed to bear firearms for the entire duration of the election period.
Exemption from the Comelec-imposed firearms prohibition may be secured from the Comelec Committee on Ban on Firearms and Security Concerns.
Carlos said they are also waiting for the release of the list of official candidates when the election fever will heat up and they will have a clearer picture of whom to monitor.
“We need to monitor if there is tension among them waiting to be triggered. It is our proactive approach in dealing with possible election-related violence,” Carlos said in a statement.
He said the PNP is in constant coordination with the Comelec, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other law enforcers to regularly exchange inputs on gathered information regarding the activities of candidates. (PNA) – bny
