Implementation starts Jan. 10
CITY Comelec election officer Jonathan Sayno reminded private individuals, politicians as well as government security forces of the total gun ban which would start on January 10, 2010.
The total gun ban which would be implemented for the duration of the election period from January 10 to June 9, 2010 recalls the firearms permit of government security forces as well as private individuals acting as body guards of politicians. The total gun ban was contained in Comelec Resolution 1814.
The said Comelec resolution ordered the recall of permits of all gun holders, including law enforcement agencies and private security groups accredited by the Philippine National Police as bodyguards for politicians. Permit to carry firearms outside residence are cancelled.
The members of the police especially those assigned at the different police stations could still carry their firearms from their residence to the police stations provided they are in complete uniform, said Sayno.
Sayno said candidates or individuals who have imminent threat on their lives can apply for security personnel. They have to apply before the joint security control center for security detail. The center will process and verify all the applications for security detail. They have to pay a filing fee of P5,000 for each application.
The procedures on how to avail of the services of security personnel or bodyguards during the election period and the rules and regulations on who are authorized to carry firearms during the election period are discussed in Comelec Resolution 8714.
Sayno said the applications for security detail are submitted to the office of the Comelec regional Atty. Dennis Ausan. The regional office will forward the applications to the joint security control center.
It was not immediately known on how many have already applied for security detail in Iloilo City.
