Thursday, January 25, 2007 Gun ban also covers cops, soldiers: poll body
CAMP OLIVAS -- Even policemen and soldiers undertaking official functions and wearing uniforms are not exempted from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban.
All policemen in Central Luzon have been directed to apply for a Comelec clearance, with a warning of criminal sanctions once they are caught with their issued service firearms, even on official duty, but without the necessary permit.
Comelec officials issued the warning during a meeting with top police officials in the region, including provincial and city police directors, held at the conference room here.
"It may sound absurd but it's the law," said a Comelec official who presided over the meeting.
The election official said they will not hesitate to throw the book at any policemen caught violating the gun ban.
Comelec Resolution 7764A seeks a total gun ban, including law enforcers during the election period, said Angeles Police Director Sonny Cunanan.
Cunanan said the resolution runs contradictory to the official functions of the police. "Where can you find a police officer, in police uniform at that, being asked not to bring guns?" he said.
"The Comelec resolution must be corrected or amended," said Cunanan while strongly expressing his opposition to the rules.
"Imagine if all our policemen would report for their respective duties without firearms. What will happen?" he said.
Cunanan said we will not leave the lives and properties of the people in Angeles City to lawless elements including the lives of his men. He said the policemen -- especially those manning checkpoints -- are exposed to all dangers, and disarming them by obeying the Comelec rulings "is like putting their lives at risk."
Cunanan, who was also present during the meeting with Comelec officials, said all of the provincial directors and city directors expressed opposition to the Comelec resolution. (MHD)
