MANILA, Philippines - The 45-day gun ban ends today but the Philippine National Police (PNP) warned that anyone who would be found carrying firearms before midnight of Wednesday without exemption from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) would be arrested. PNP chief Director General Raul Bacalzo directed all policemen nationwide to sustain police visibility and implementation of checkpoints to help prevent street crimes even after the gun ban is lifted.
The Comelec imposed the gun ban from Sept. 25 to Nov. 10 in connection with the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections last Oct. 25.
After the ban, gun holders can carry firearms provided they have a permit to carry firearms outside residence (PTCFOR) issued by the PNP and approved by Bacalzo.
PNP spokesman Senior Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr. said that a total of 920 people were arrested for violating the gun ban nationwide.
“Of the 920 arrested, 18 were members of the PNP, nine were military personnel, 26 were government officials or employees and 867 were civilians,” Cruz said, adding that most of the arrests occurred at checkpoints nationwide.
National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) director Chief Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome said police units in Metro Manila will continue to implement checkpoints to help prevent crime.
Bacalzo attributed the success of the election process to the PNP’s security measures, the assistance extended by other government agencies particularly the Commission on Elections, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the community.
Cecile Suerte Felipe, Philippine Star
