FEB.

14, 2013

NR # 3015B

Solon seeks gun ban exemption for police, military during election periods
A lawmaker is seeking the exemption of police and military personnel as well as those in government agencies who are performing law enforcement or security functions from the Commission on Elections-issued gun ban. Rep. Pastor M. Alcover (Party-list, Anad) said the practice of the Comelec to issue a sweeping ban on carrying firearms outside of residence during election periods causes peace and order problems. There is always a rise in criminality during gun ban because criminals take advantage of the situation wherein the responsible gun owners and even the law enforcement officers are rendered defenseless, Alcover said. The party-list solon proposed in House Bill 6873 that regular uniformed officers and members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), the commissioned and non-commissioned officers and enlisted personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as well as the officers and enlisted personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard shall be exempt from the gun ban during election period. Also included in the list of persons who shall be exempt from the gun ban are the officers and members of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and its agents as well as the officers, members and agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). Alcover said regular officers, members and agents of other government agencies who are actually performing law enforcement or security functions shall likewise be exempt from carrying or bearing firearms during election periods. Members of privately-owned or operated security, investigative or protective agencies; members of the Judiciary, all elected public officials and any person who is a bona fide holder of a valid and unexpired gun license and permit to carry complete the list of class of persons exempt from the gun ban as provided under the bill. Alcover said gun ban has also become a major source of corruption in the PNP and the Comelec for it is a fact that every time there is a gun ban, the Comelec will also provide exemption. He proposed that it should be the sole and exclusive responsibility of the PNP during election periods to maintain peace and order and ensure that the conduct of the election is free from any form of violence, intimidation or terrorism. The duty of the Comelec shall be limited to enforcement and administration of all laws and regulations relative to the conduct of the election as provided under the bill. (30) mvip