Barangay, SK polls gun ban starts today

All permits to carry and transport firearms are suspended starting today, the start of the election period for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections on Oct. 23.

Commission on Elections (Comelec) spokesman James Jimenez said the gun ban is one of the measures the poll body would implement during the election period, which will run until Oct. 30.

The carrying, bearing and transporting of firearms and other deadly weapons are banned unless authorized by the Comelec.

Jimenez said the committee on ban on firearms and security personnel has been accepting applications for gun ban exemption since Sept. 23.

“At 12:01 a.m. of Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017...checkpoints shall be established nationwide to effectively implement the firearms ban,” Jimenez said.

Under Comelec Resolution 10198 promulgated on Sept. 14, at least one checkpoint must be established in each city and municipality.

Additional checkpoints to be manned by police and military personnel shall be established in coordination with the election officer with jurisdiction over the area.

Jimenez said the use of security personnel or bodyguards by candidates is also banned unless the poll body grants an exemption.

The alteration of the territory of a precinct or establishment of new precincts; coercing, threatening, intimidating or terrorizing election officials or employees in the performance of their election functions or duties; transfer or detail of officers and employees in the civil service including public school teachers; organizing or maintaining reaction, strike or similar forces as well as suspension of any elective local officials are also prohibited during the election period.

Jimenez said violators face imprisonment of up to six years, disqualification to hold public office and deprivation of their right to suffrage.

He said the filing of certificates of candidacy is from Oct. 5 to 11 while the campaign period is from Oct. 12 to 21.

Jimenez said the Comelec has no choice but to continue with its preparations as President Duterte has yet to sign the law postponing the elections.

Last Sept. 25, the House of Representatives adopted the Senate version of the bill resetting the barangay and SK elections to May 2018.