Gun ban starts as election period kicks off

STARTING today, January 9, 2022, there will be at least one checkpoint in all municipalities and cities in the entire country as the election period and the gun ban start.

Based on the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution 10695, the election period begins on January 9 and will end on June 8, 2022.

During the election period, it is prohibited to bear, carry, or transport firearms or other deadly weapons, unless authorized in writing by the Commission.

The Comelec said it is also prohibited during the election period to use security personnel or bodyguards by candidates, unless authorized in writing by the Commi ssi on.

Lawyer Ferdinand Gujilde, spokesperson of the Comelec 7, said there would be a simultaneous kickoff of the gun ban implementation and checkpoint in the entire country starting 12:01 a.m. on Sunday.

He urged licensed gun owners to comply with the election gun ban.

“They should be aware that with the gun ban, all licenses and permit to carry firearms issued to licensed firearm owners are suspended starting at 12:01 a.m. of January 9, Sunday,” Parilla sai d.

Those caught carrying a firearm while the ban is in effect will face complaints for violation of the Comelec gun ban and illegal carrying of firearms.

During the election period, it is also unlawful for anyone to organize or maintain reaction forces, strike forces, or other similar f o r ces.

The suspension of any elective local official is also prohibited.

The Comelec said it is now also prohibited to transfer or move officers and employees in the civil service sector.

It is also considered unlawful during the election period to alter the territory of a precinct or establish a new p r eci n ct .

Violation of the said prohibitions is tantamount to an election offense.

An election offense carries the penalty of one to six years imprisonment, disqualification to hold public office, and deprivation of the right of suffrage. (MKG, BBT, HDT / SunStar Philippines)