THE Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines yesterday officially enforced a nationwide gun ban to ensure a safe and orderly October 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections.

During the 90-day period or from August 28 to November 29, only members of the PNP, the AFP, and other law enforcement agencies conducting an actual performance of duties in their agency-prescribed uniform will be exempted from the gun ban.

Agents of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) guarding the First Family are automatically exempted from the ban.

PNP chief General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. ordered the temporary suspension of all Permit-to-Carry-Firearms-Outside-of-Residence (PTCFOR) issued during the period, thus licensed gun-holders with PTCFORs have to first secure a Comelec (Commission on Elections) gun ban exemption permit for them to be able to bring their guns outside their residence.

Gen. Acorda said that they are making all the necessary preparations to assume their election duties as a “deputized agency of the Comelec” during the October 30 BSKE.

The Comelec Committee on the Ban on Firearm and Security Concerns (CBFSC) headed by Commissioned Aimee P. Ferolino convened its first meeting last May 9 with representatives from the PNP and the AFP in full attendance.

Acorda said that all operational planning and preparatory activities of the PNP are guided by Comelec Resolution No. 10902, which approved the calendar of activities for the 2023 Barangay and SK polls.

Pursuant to the Comelec resolution, the 90-day election period for the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Election commenced on August 28, Monday with the start of the period for filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COC).

Gen. Acorda said that during the 90-day election period, they will strictly enforce all prohibited acts as enumerated under the Omnibus Election Code and other resolutions passed by the poll body.

A major prohibited act during the election period is the “bearing, carrying, or transporting of firearms or other deadly weapons in public places including any building, street, park, private vehicle, or public conveyance” unless authorized in writing by the Comelec.

Also prohibited during the period is the use of security personnel or bodyguards by candidates.

Upon the request of Commissioner Ferolino, Gen. Acorda said they are making some adjustments on administrative procedures and technical requirements in the processing of Comelec authority for exemption.

The CBFSC is assigned to issue Certificates of Authority (CA) to those exempted from the gun ban.

Unless authorized by the poll body through a CA, the following acts are prohibited during the Election Period:

1.) To bear, carry, or transport firearms and other deadly weapons outside residence or place of business, and in all public places;

2.) To employ, avail, or engage the services of security personnel and bodyguards; and

3.) To transport or deliver firearms and explosives, including their parts, ammunition, and/ or components.

According to the Comelec, these prohibitions are considered election offenses punishable with imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than six years without probation, permanent disqualification to hold public office and deprivation of the right of suffrage.

If the violator is a foreigner, they shall be sentenced to deportation after serving the corresponding prison term.

Last week, Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia met with top PNP, AFP, and Philippine Coast Guard officials to finalize their preparations to ensure the holding of a smooth and secure BSKE.

“We are committed to upholding the integrity of the upcoming elections and ensuring a safe environment for all citizens to exercise their right to vote,” said Gen. Acorda as he expressed their dedication to the electoral process.

As the election period begins, the PNP chief said they will significantly enhance their visibility across the nation by implementing checkpoints to uphold law and order.