TABUK CITY, Kalinga – With the start of the gun ban last January 10 for the May 2016 elections, Provincial Election Supervisor Dexter Bary Cawis reminds police officers inspecting motorists and public utility vehicles to observe high courtesy and be guided by the “plain view principle”.
Cawis reported that all police station commanders in the province were issued COMELEC guidelines on the ban during the January 5 command conference at the provincial police command office here.
The police put-up check points on designated areas for the gun ban inspection.
Cawis asked police field commanders to closely coordinate with municipal election officers for the smooth implementation of the gun ban.
In line with the gun ban, there is temporary suspension of permit- to- carry guns that were issued to gun holders, however, COMELEC head office can issue exemption to the gun ban to some applicants as provided by law, Cawis said.
Only law enforcers in full uniform and who are on official duty shall be allowed to carry firearms outside of residence.
Cawis appealed for cooperation during police inspections explaining that the gun ban is part of COMELEC measures to ensure peaceful and orderly conduct of the May 9 synchronized elections.
Aside from the gun ban, prohibited acts during the election period from January 10-June 8, 2016 include use of security personnel or bodyguards by candidates unless allowed by the poll body, the organization or maintenance of reaction forces, strike forces or other similar forces , transfer or movement of government employees, and suspension of elective local officials./JDP/LL-PIA CAR, Kalinga
