BSKE: 1,135 held for gun ban violation

MANILA, Philippines — At least 1,135 people have been arrested nationwide for violating the gun ban in connection with the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE), the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported yesterday.

The PNP public information office said 1,088 of the violators are civilians, 16 are security guards while the rest are law enforcers, military personnel and militiamen.

Two elected government officials were among those arrested, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said in a text message.

Since the gun ban was imposed on Aug. 28, Fajardo said 3,205 firearms were confiscated and either surrendered or deposited by the owners for safekeeping.

PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said the recovery of loose firearms would make the community safer and help ensure the holding of peaceful and orderly polls.

The gun ban will be in effect until the end of the election period on Nov. 29.

Kalinga cops as poll workers

Meanwhile, in Kalinga, police, instead of teachers, will serve as poll workers in Barangay Mabongtot in Lubuagan town.

The teachers will not be deployed for poll duties in view of a memorandum prohibiting those who have relatives who are candidates from serving  during the elections.

The Comelec-Cordillera Administrative Region office said it tapped PNP personnel to serve as members of the electoral board at the Mabongtot Elementary School.

Nine policemen are undergoing training as poll supervisors and support staff.

In Abra, police have been asked to serve in 10 voting precincts in Bangued and Pilar.

The teachers assigned in the precincts asked to be relieved from poll duties, citing their safety and security.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia had earlier said PNP personnel would be deployed for poll duties, especially in election areas of concern, as the need arises.