By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) and the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) are all set for the implementation of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban which will begin on Sunday, January 9, which is also the start of the five-month election period.

BCPO spokesperson Police Lt. Liberty Indiape reminded the public, especially those holding a firearms license, that it would be illegal to carry guns outside of their homes effective 12:01 a.m. from January 9 until the end of the election period on June 8.

Simultaneous checkpoints will be installed in strategic areas of the city with the coordination of the Comelec.

NOCPPO spokesperson Lt. Abegael Donasco, meanwhile, said NOCPPO director Police Col. Romy Palgue ordered all police chiefs in the province to install checkpoints in their respective areas of responsibility and to make sure that they are following the guidelines of the Comelec.

Donasco said they have already recalled all cops who have been serving as police escorts to local politicians in accordance with the rules and regulations set by the Comelec.

She also reminded civilians who want to be exempted from the gun ban to immediately coordinate and apply for an exemption with the Comelec, after which they will undergo validation with Philippine National Police (PNP) to find out if their reason is valid.

Anyone caught carrying a firearm will be charged with violating the Comelec resolution on the gun ban as well as additional charges related to Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms.

During the gun ban period, only uniformed personnel from PNP, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other law enforcement agencies are allowed to carry firearms./DGB, WDJ