PNP studies possible extension of gun ban
Gun ban extension, anyone?
With barely three weeks to go before the end of the implementation of Comelec Resolution 8714 or the total gun ban, there are some quarters that sought its extension.
PNP Regional Director Chief Supt. Isagani Cuevas admitted that the PNP hierarchy received a lot of proposition for the gun ban extension.
“But all these things are still under study. The possibility of an extension was suggested because during the election period, the gun ban made an impact in curbing criminal activities,” he added.
The region’s top cop said that they recorded a decrease in crime volume and a lot of persons were arrested for violating the law, to include AFP and PNP personnel.
“It could be a sign that if the Comelec gun ban will be resumed beyond June 9, there might be a downward trend in the perpetration of crimes,” Cuevas surmised
The PNP, he added, might also conduct a summit on firearms wherein the use and possession of firearms will be discussed, among others.
“They might also discuss what should be the other options aside from the gun ban implementation,” he added.
But this early, the PNP saw that it would be met with oppositions, especially from some sectors to include the manufacturers and dealers of firearms because it would mean a business loss.
The PNP would also take into consideration holders of the permit to carry firearms outside of residence (PTCFOR) and sports enthusiasts.
“There are those who are under threats who would like to bear firearms and we could not just take them for granted,” he said.
But in the end, Cuevas said that the issues surrounding the possible gun ban extension should be resolved immediately to attain what’s best for the most of those who would be affected.
As this developed, Cuevas said that they would still continue the conduct of checkpoints during election period, which runs from January 10, 2010 to June 9, 2010.
Records showed that 188 cases of election gun ban violations were filed since the start of the ban.
Further, 50 persons are currently under investigation, 285 people have been arrested and 229 firearms have been confiscated during the election gun ban.
Nine of those arrested are government employees.
The province of Negros Occidental topped the list of the number of violations with 57 cases. The province of Guimaras had the lowest with only 4 cases.
Even though the gun ban is yet to commence, it was gathered that this year’s poll had the most number violations as opposed to the 2004 presidential election.
In 2004, only 128 people were arrested in Western Visayas for violating the gun ban.
To note, in gun ban, only regular plantilla members of PNP/AFP and other law enforcers (who are receiving regular compensation for services rendered) are authorized to bear/carry/transport firearms or other deadly weapons, in prescribed uniform showing clearly and legibly his name/rank/serial number, in case rank and serial numbers are inapplicable, his agency identification card showing clearly his name and position (which ID card shall remain visible at all times), with valid mission/letter order and in actual performance of election/official duty or going to and returning from his residence or station.
Cuevas also reiterated that the Comelec resolution also covered air guns and air rifles.
Aside from regular firearms and deadly weapons, also covered by the ban are air guns and replications, as well as bladed instruments, hand grenades, and other explosives except for fireworks.
