4 gun ban violators sued in court

FOUR people were charged for violation of the gun ban implemented by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) starting January 13 for this year's election.

The accused were: two minors aged 15 and 16, a 16-year-old's adult brother (whose name is withheld), and Brachel Monte Sales, 23, a resident of Times Beach in Matina Bucana.

Records from the Davao City Police Office's (DCPO) Operation Division showed that the policemen recovered one bladed weapon and three homemade firearms.

The four were brought to the City Prosecution Office (CPO) for inquest proceedings Tuesday.

The 15-year-old was charged for the violation of the Presidential Decree 1866 amended by the Republic Act (R.A.) 8294 or The Illegal Possession of Firearms and Batas Pambansa 881 or The Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines.

Chief Inspector Angel Sumagaysay, chief of Toril police station, said the boy was brought to their Women and Children's Protection Desk (WCPD) after the boy's mother surrendered him before their station on Sunday.

Recovered from his possession were an improvised firearm and one bullet of a 5.56mm armalite.

Also charged with Illegal Possession of Firearms and the Omnibus Election Code were the two brothers, while Sales is facing charges with violation of RA 6539 or The Anti-Carnapping aside from his violation on the gun ban.

The adult brother is now detained at the Buhangin Police Station, while the 16-year-old is under the custody of the WCPD. Recovered from them were a homemade gun and a bullet of 5.56mm armalite.

Sales was detained at the Talomo Police Station. Recovered from him was a stainless knife and a stolen motorcycle.

Based on the Section 32 of RA 7166 under the Comelec Resolution 9561A, during the election period, no person shall bear, carry or transport any firearms or other deadly weapons in public places, including any buildings, streets, parks, private or public vehicles, even if licensed to possess or carry the same unless authorized in writing by the commission.

In a live interview with the DXAB Radyo Patrol, Lawyer Wilfredo Balisado, Comelec-Davao regional director, made it clear that the issuance of license firearms should be suspended on the election period from January 13 to June 12.

Balisado added that only the police and military and other law enforcement agencies are allowed to carry their firearms in full uniform, and in the actual performance of election duty.

Balisado urged the public to cooperate with the Comelec and other law enforcement agencies on the rules and regulations during the election period.