Nationwide Election Gun Ban Starts

All Permits to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFOR) have been suspended from January 10, 2010 to June 9, 2010 as imposed by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC)- nationwide gun ban to ensure peace and order and security in connection with the synchronized national and local elections in May 2010.

According to the statement of PNP Chief Director General Jesus Versoza posted at the official website of the Philippine National Police, “all gun carrying privileges by virtue of PTCFORs are suspended for the entire duration of the election period.”

Versoza also explained that the authority granting police security detail to government officials VIPs and other private individuals under threat are also revoked. "Only PNP, AFP, NBI personnel and Protective Agents of PDA (Private Detective Agencies) shall be deputized as security detail during the election period provided that these personnel shall be in proper uniform and in the actual performance of official security duties," said the Director-General. “Only regular plantilla members of PNP, AFP, and other law enforcement agencies (who are receiving regular compensation for services rendered) are authorized to bear, carry and transport firearms while in prescribed uniform showing clearly and legibly the name, rank, serial number, or in case rank and serial number are inapplicable, the agency-issued identification card showing clearly the name and position (ID card shall remain visible at all times), with valid mission or letter orders, and in the actual performance of official duty or going to or returning from his residence or station, " Versoza added.

In this connection, the PNP has started to set-up PNP checkpoints nationwide last Sunday to strictly implement the election gun ban.

“Katulad ng mga nakaraang election gun ban, mahigpit pa ring susunod ang Olongapo sa kung ano man ang itinatadhana at ipinapatupad ng batas para sa seguridad, katahimikan at kapayapaan sa lungsod,” said Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. who is now running for his 3rd term as local chief executive .