Garma calls on poll bets to surrender guns

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City Police Office director Royima Garma is calling on all politicians to surrender their firearms to the nearest police station as the election gun ban starts today.

Garma said that they have a list of politicians who are registered owners of firearms.

They will receive notices to surrender their firearms with or without permit.

Garma advised politicians to be mindful of the expiry date of their license as they might be included in the Oplan Katok, a PNP-led anti-loose firearm operation which will be implemented for the elections.

“Check your license and if it is expired, apply for renewal. Do not wait for us to knock on your doors and then this will be misinterpreted,” Garma said.

She added that firearms surrendered to the nearest police station will be kept properly until the end of the election gun ban at midnight of June 12.

“They claim to be responsible gun owners then let’s prove it. Do not wait for the PNP to send notice o kumatok,” Garma said.

Based on Commission on Elections Resolution No. 10197, possession of firearms will be “strictly prohibited” starting January 13.

The resolution gives special exemptions to personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other government law enforcement agencies, if they secure a permit from the Comelec.

“Only regular members of the PNP, AFP and other law enforcement agencies of the government who are duly deputized in writing by the Commission for election duty, may be authorized to carry and possess firearms during the election period,” the resolution stated.

It is also stipulated that a member of the law enforcement who has a Comelec permit and is allowed to carry firearms, must be in full uniform “showing clearly and legibly his name.”

A deputized law enforcer must remain visible, in his performance of election duty in the specific area designated by the Comelec.

Those found with firearms starting today will face charges of Republic Act 10591 or the comprehensive law on firearms and ammunition and violation of election gun ban. — MBG (FREEMAN)