Gun ban period for May elections starts Jan. 13

PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief Oscar D. Albayalde yesterday issued a reminder that the gun ban period starts on Jan. 13 as prescribed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in line with the May 12 midterm polls. During the ban period, which will be until June 12, the issuance of gun licenses will also be suspended. Mr. Albayalde said uniformed personnel will be exempted from the gun ban and politicians with threats will be provided with security detail. “They will be provided with security detail. We have Comelec exemptions para sa mga (for the) security details… But they will be in uniform because they will be carrying firearms,” he said. The police chief also said that the PNP is looking into 18 municipalities identified as potential election hotspots. —