Barangay, SK Polls: 60-day gun ban enforced

Beginning today, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is enforcing a 60-day gun ban in connection with the June 15 synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan polls.

Senior Superintendent Leonardo Espina, PNP spokesman warned that apprehended violators will be dealt with in accordance with existing laws. The ban also prohibits the employment of armed bodyguards without the approval of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

The PNP has been deputized by the Comelec to enforce these prohibitions 45 days before and 15 days after the 2003 barangay polls, Espina said.

"This is in line with the Comelec en banc Resolution No. 4780 which prohibits carrying of firearms outside of residence and employment of armed bodyguards to preclude election-related violence," Espina in a statement, said.

Espina said police regional and provincial offices nationwide have been instructed to coordinate closely with local Comelec officials to ensure the effective implementation of the gun ban.

Local election officers are mandated to supervise the conduct of Comelec checkpoints in their areas of jurisdiction purposely to search for illegally possessed firearms.

A violator of the provision faces a penalty of one to six years imprisonment without probation, disqualification from holding office and deprivation of the right to vote. Foreigners caught violating the Omnibus Election Law will be charged, jailed and deported after serving the prescribed prison term, Espina said.