PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. yesterday said the strict enforcement of the nationwide gun ban will help arrest the presence of illegal firearms that could be used as a ‘tool of violence’ in the forthcoming October 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections.

House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez earlier called on the 228,000-strong police force to strictly enforce the law, particularly when it comes to Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulations Act of 2013 to curb the incidence of crimes especially gun-related violence in the country.

Speaker Romualdez agreed on the necessity of an enhanced anti-criminality drive, foremost of which is a sustained crackdown on illegal firearms and increased police visibility across the country along with ongoing programs for improved intelligence-gathering capability and training of policemen.

He also committed the solid support of the House of Representatives for a genuine intensified campaign of law enforcement authorities against crime to ensure the safety of every citizen even as the PNP leadership maintained that the overall crime volume nationwide is going down significantly.

Gen. Acorda has reported a 6.19 percent reduction in the country’s crime volume from January to August this year compared to the same period in 2022. In particular, he said that Index Crimes have exhibited a significant decrease of 8.79 percent complemented by a 5.55 percent decline in Non-Index Crimes.

He imparted since the gun ban started last August 28, police have apprehended over 200 offenders, majority of them civilians, new PNP Public Information Office chief, Colonel Jean S. Fajardo said.

Majority of the offenders were from Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Central Luzon and Central Visayas regions.

Over 120 small arms and four light weapons have also been recovered from the gun ban violators so far.

Gen. Acorda has ordered his men to strictly enforce the nationwide gun ban to ensure a safe and orderly BSKE.

During the 90-day period or from August 28 to November 29, 2023, 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.

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.

Unless authorized by the poll body, 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 its 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.