By Mary Judaline Partlow/PNA
DUMAGUETE CITY — Even legitimate holders of firearms with permits-to-carry (PTCs) still need to seek gun ban exemption from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to take their weapons outside their homes.
Senior Supt. Raul Tacaca, provincial police director, made the clarification Tuesday as the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NORPPO) gears up for the start of the election period and the Comelec gun ban on January 13.
“Ang gun ban kasi kahit merong permit to carry hindi pwedeng magdala ng baril (Even if one has permit to carry firearms during the gun ban, nobody is allowed to carry a gun) unless there is a Comelec exemption,” Tacaca said.
Even the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), which shall be under the operational control of the Comelec during the election period, are also covered by the gun ban, he noted.
It is stated in the Comelec resolution that members of the PNP, AFP, and other law enforcement agencies can only carry guns when in uniform or during the performance of their duties, he said.
As to the conduct of checkpoints, Tacaca said they will be doing this alongside the Comelec to ensure the safety of the public during the election period.
Meanwhile, he disclosed that they will soon recall all PNP personnel assigned as security detail to politicians and other personalities.
Those who need police personnel for security will have to seek authority from the Comelec, Tacaca explained.
Comelec Resolution No. 10446 stipulates that those who seek exemption from the gun ban and other prohibited acts can apply for a certificate of authority with the poll body.
