MANILA -The gun ban in connection with the October 23 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Elections will begin on September 23 and will last until October 30, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Thursday.
In a statement, the poll body said it is prohibited to bear, carry or transport of firearms or other deadly weapons and the employment, availment or engagement of the services of security personnel or body guards during the said period.
“No person shall bear, carry or transport firearms or deadly weapons outside his residence or place of business, and in all public places, including any building, street, park, and in private vehicles or public conveyances, even if he is licensed or authorized to possess or carry the same, unless authorized by the Commission…” according to Resolution No. 10197, promulgated September 14, 2017.
It also prohibits the employment, availment or engagement of the services of security personnel or body guards, “whether or not such security personnel or bodyguards are regular members or officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), other law enforcement agency of the government of from a private security service provider, unless authorized by the Commission…”
Likewise, the transport and delivery of firearms and/or its parts, ammunition and/or its components, and explosives and/or its components are not allowed during the period.
With this, Comelec Spokesman James Jimenez said the poll body’s Committee on the Ban on Firearms and Security Personnel (CBFSP) shall accept applications for the issuance of authority to bear, carry or transport firearms or deadly weapons starting September 21, 2017.
He also urged the public to visit the COMELEC’s official website for more information on the gun ban and other election rules. (PNA)
