PNP wants total gun ban in 2010 elections

ZAMBOANGA CITY , Philippines   – Philippine National Police chief Director General Jesus Verzosa is seeking a total gun ban from the Commission on Elections.

Speaking to reporters, Verzosa said he has directed police regional directors nationwide to test implementation of the total gun ban in certain areas while awaiting the Comelec’s approval.

Verzosa issued the call to ban the carrying of firearms as part of the National Firearms Control Program to hasten the accounting of firearms in civilian hands.

Meanwhile, Verzosa said the security escorts of VIPs will be limited to two policemen in complete uniform.

The PNP chief said their plan is to maximize the security for those high-profile personalities and persons who may really need security especially during the elections.

Chief Superintendent Angelo Sunglao, Police Regional Office director, said the plan will allow them to use more policemen in security operations to prevent any sabotage during the election period.

Police regional commanders have begun assessing the areas in Mindanao to determine if the number of “areas of concern” has increased or decreased.

Clean and honest polls

Officials and graft investigators of the Office of the Ombudsman met representatives of four other government agencies to discuss ways to ensure clean and honest elections next year.

Present at the meeting were officials of the Civil Service Commission, Commission on Audit, Department of Education, and the Philippine National Police.

Representatives from non-government sectors like the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) and the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) also attended the meeting.

Lawyer Rafael Rafanan, Comelec Director IV, briefed participants on the measures being implemented in preparation for the 2010 elections.

They were particularly briefed about “ELECTVOICE,” an information-dissemination program which entails the distribution of modules in schools, barangays, and government offices. 

Rafanan also discussed election laws, as well as ways on how other government agencies and different sectors do their part in making the election process successful.

Overall Deputy Ombudsman Orlando Casimiro said he is convinced “that this multi-sectoral initiative can do a lot in enjoining each and every Filipino to make the best out of this rare chance of finally redeeming our democracy with truly honest, orderly and peaceful elections.”

“(Next year’s elections is crucial) because with the multi-billion election automation project, we are practically given a chance to reform some aspects of the process of choosing our leaders,” he said.   –Roel Pareño, Michael Punongbayan