Comelec wants list of registered gun holders

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) asked the Philippine National Police (PNP) to submit copies of the lists of gun holders in the country as part of the upcoming Sangguniang Kabataan elections, an official said yesterday.

PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Wilben Mayor said the PNP received a letter from Comelec Commissioner Al Parreno directing the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office to submit the list, considering that the commission imposes a gun ban during the elections.

He said the gun ban also applies to security agencies and public and private officials with security escorts.

The Comelec said the gun ban shall be in effect starting today until March 2, or 30 days before and 15 days after election day.

All gun ban exemptions issued for the May 2013 local and national elections and October 2013 barangay polls will not be honored.

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said law enforcers and security personnel could apply to renew their gun ban exemption.

He said all security personnel deployed from the police, military and other law enforcement agencies shall be recalled tomorrow.