Gun ban set for Mindoro plebiscite

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will impose a total gun ban in a village in Occidental Mindoro in time for a plebiscite in the area on Sept. 13.

The Comelec said carrying or transporting of firearms or other deadly weapons in public places and in private vehicles is prohibited in Barangay Wawa in Abra de Ilog town from Sept. 1 to 15.

The ban covers everybody even if one is licensed to possess or carry a weapon, unless authorized in writing by the poll body.

The gun ban is in connection with a plebiscite ratifying the creation of the village of Sta. Maria out of Barangay Wawa.

The Comelec also prohibits the use of security personnel or bodyguards by candidates, even if they are members of law enforcement agencies.