Comelec ‘gun ban’
THE ushering of 2016 marks the official start of the elections with the ban on “bearing of firearms” and the suspension of the permits to carry firearms outside of residence in effect. Friends representing various businesses and professions highly vulnerable to crime, e.g., bankers, jewelers, fiscals and lawyers, judges, etc., expressed well-founded fears hoping this space could be a ventilation for positive action to reach Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista.
They have noted that previous commissions have been unmindful of the threat involved when Comelec resolutions governing the guidelines for “gun ban exemptions” are tardy. Meaning, when Comelec approves the resolution, the ban is quick or has already taken effect. This leaves the individuals concerned, in their own words, “naked” for possible victimization in untoward incidents. All they have is a prayer. Without permitted weapons, they feel deprived of a comfortable level of first response for self-defense, or for the protection of their family, while waiting for police response, which may unfortunately be too late.
Paging Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista! The request is for issuance of guidelines for exemption so, even this early, the processing may commence. This will provide a seamless transition for those individuals with professions or possessions at constant risk.
Part of the proposal is for Comelec to avoid the usual bureaucratic redundancy for the very same clearances required in the first place for possessing a gun. It does not make the case, it being an added safety measure, except providing additional burden to the law-abiding citizen officially declaring his requirement for a weapon to be carried outside his home for his safety against malcontents. The new law on firearms (RA 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) is stricter as it is. Delegating the authority to regional or provincial comelec with PNP/AFP coordination, will be applauded by a public rescued from sending applications and travelling to imperial Manila. In case of worry over possible abuse on lower levels Comelec Intramuros may provision an “automatic review” for all approved exemptions.
Licensed and regulated guns deter criminality. The owner of the firearm may be identified. It is the 1.9 million loose and unregistered guns, as per Senator Ralph Recto’s figures, over which government and Comelec have to lose sleep.
Sadly, government often knee-jerks to solve criminality by hammering on a nail already embedded with further restrictions on law-abiding citizens. The threat to visiting APEC delegates (as of this writing), and honest, orderly, peaceful elections, are exactly the guns with no papers. The real enemy and battle that requires winning is with criminals, private armies, syndicates, terrorist groups, liberation fronts, etc., and their sources. Need I say more.