To keep the midterm elections peaceful and orderly, the Philippine National Police and Commission on Elections implemented the election gun ban officially started last Sunday, January 13, 2019.
Senior Insp. Pearl Manyll Lamban – Marzo, Public Information Officer of Puerto Princesa City Police Office, said that they are ready for this year’s gun ban operation, and prior to the day of implementation they already have an implementing plan and they are already organizing all the things needed for the operation such as mobile patrols.
During this gun ban period the Philippine National Police (PNP), together with Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), will be conducting checkpoints in random parts of the country, including parts of Palawan. Last, Sunday, January 13, 12:01 am, the team started its kick off checkpoint operation.
The checkpoints seek to check all the vehicles, particularly if there are guns or explosives. Aside from firearms, deadly weapons such as knife, grenade, and all illegal weapons are prohibited to be carried during this period of time, to prevent any unlawful act during the election period.
There are no vehicles exempted in any checkpoints that the team will be conducting. Checkpoints will be held in well lighted area, has a standard signage, and only uniformed personnel are allowed to conduct a visual checking of the vehicles, Marzo said.
There are people who are exempted to the gun ban period provided that they have a proof and documents of exemption and they are included to Commission of Election’s (COMELEC) list of exempted people during the gun ban period.
“Sa ngayon ang alam natin na ang PNP at the same time ang AFP ay Gun Ban exempted na, provided dun na masusunod lahat ng rules na nakalagay mismo duon sa exemption na nakalagay sa ating COMELEC,” Marzo added.
She also tackled the sanctions, penalties and charges for those persons who will be caught violating any of the rules and regulations specified in the Republic Act 10591 also known as the “Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.”
Marzo also mentioned that since the gun ban period started last January 13, the Province of Palawan, specifically the City of Puerto Princesa is in the manageable state of control in terms of the peace and order. The police team is thankful to the people of Palawan for the cooperation.
“Remind ko lang po ulit ang ating mga kababayan na nagsimula na po yung COMELEC gun ban, so para po hindi tayo magkaproblema at hindi po tayo mahuli sundin na lang po natin ang lahat ng inuutos ng direktiba pagdating po sa COMELEC gun ban for 2019 election.”
Marzo’s message and reminder for the people of Puerto Princesa City and the province of Palawan.
The 2019 national and local elections will be held on the second Monday of May, which is May 13, 2019, and a month after the election is the end of the gun ban period