Gun ban violations by soldiers down by 86%

MANILA, Philippines - Military personnel who violated the gun ban during the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) polls numbered 11, lower by 86 percent than the 72 recorded during the May 2010 elections, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said.

AFP data showed that of the 11 gun ban violators, eight are enlisted personnel and three are members of the Civilian Active Auxiliary (CAA).

Four of the eight enlisted personnel who violated the gun ban are now being investigated.

One of the violators posted bail while another’s case has been dismissed. Two erring enlisted personnel are still under the custody of authorities.

On the other hand, two of the erring CAA members have been recommended for termination while one is being held by police.

“The notable drop of election-related violation incidents committed by the AFP personnel manifests a greater and improved discipline among its troops,” AFP public affairs chief Lt. Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. said in a statement.

“It only portrays that the members of the AFP are united in achieving its goal for an honest, orderly and peaceful conduct of elections,” he added.

The gun ban took effect last Sept. 25 and was enforced until Nov. 10. The Philippine National Police (PNP) had said more than 900 people have been arrested nationwide for violating the restriction.

At least 78 poll-related violent incidents have been recorded during the Oct. 25 barangay and SK elections.

Authorities, nevertheless, claimed that the conduct of the village polls was “generally peaceful.”

The AFP had claimed that while some areas experienced some problems, these are not security-related.

Officials said the coordination between the police, the military and local governments was effective in curbing violence and other illegal activities.

Meantime, a total of 14 persons were arrested on the last day of the implementation of gun ban in the country, bringing to 940 the total number of individuals who violated the firearms ban, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said yesterday.

PNP spokesman Senior Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr. said some local police and security forces will continue to enforce the election gun ban until Nov. 28 in areas that will hold special elections.

Special elections will be held on Nov. 13 in the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Basilan and in the first congressional district of Bulacan, thus, the election period in these areas will be extended until Nov. 28 as prescribed by Comelec Resolution 9072. – With Cecille Suerte Felipe