Dinagyang and election gun ban starts Jan. 13

ILOILO City – Beginning Jan. 13, it is prohibited to carry or transport firearms, explosives or other deadly weapons, according to the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6).

The gun ban, which will be until June 2, is in line with the 2019 midterm elections and the Dinagyang Festival, too, said Chief Superintendent John Bulalacao, regional police director.

Qualified people may, however, seek a gun ban exemption by applying with the Commission on Elections (Comelec), said Bulalacao.

The elections are on May 13 while the two day highlights of the Dinagyang are on Jan. 26 and 27.

During the gun ban period, said Bulalacao, only members of the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines and other law enforcement agencies performing official duties will be allowed to carry firearms.

But they must be in their complete uniforms, he stressed.

“The gun ban aims to ensure peace and order in this city not only for the elections but also for the Dinagyang. Thousands of revelers are expected to take part in the annual religious-cultural celebration,” said Bulalacao.

Violating the gun ban would be considered an election offense as provided for in Section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code. Erring uniformed personnel face dismissal from the service. Gun owners could be thrown to jail for one year to six years.

“Apart from imprisonment, violators would be deprived of their right to vote and to hold public office,” said Bulalacao.

Pursuant to Comelec Resolution No. 10446, qualified persons and entities may seek exemption to the gun ban and other prohibited acts by applying for the appropriate Certificate of Authority (CA) at the Comelec through the Committee on the Ban on Firearms and Security Personnel (CBFSP).

Application forms and requirements for the issuance of a CA must be submitted to the CBFSP Office at the Comelec main office from Dec. 1, 2018 to May 29, 2019.

Unless properly covered by a CA, any permit to carry firearm/s outside one’s residence or place of business will be ineffective and without force and effect during the election period from Jan 13 to June 2.

During the election period, it is also prohibited to employ, avail or engage the services of security personnel or bodyguards./PN

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