ANOTHER gun ban violator was arrested Monday at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) checkpoint in Baguio City, an official said, adding strict implementation of the policy is achieved in the city.
The gun ban violator was identified as Police Officer 2 Bryant Odien of the Philippine National Police (PNP) RIU 14.
According to the police initial investigations, Odien came personally to the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) Station 8 to coordinate with the chief of police on the monitoring activities at the checkpoint.
While Odien was talking with the Station 8 chief, City Director Agripino Javier arrived and asked Odien if he had a gun with him.
Odien answered "yes" and voluntarily lifted his jacket to reveal his gun tucked under his belt.
Baguio police officers confiscated the police issued caliber .45 Norinco pistol with live ammunition and one magazine loaded with seven bullets.
Javier said while police officers and members of the law enforcement agencies are exempted from the gun ban, these officers or agents should conform to the conditions of exemption.
He disclosed one of the conditions is for an officer or an agent to wear his prescribed uniform when carrying his gun.
"We have a list of the 38 exempted agencies, we do not ask for a written exemption (from them). But agents and officers should wear their uniforms when carrying their guns outside their homes," Javier explained.
Javier said the BCPO will arrest any member of the exempted agencies if they do not follow the conditions set by the Comelec.
The conditions include: one must have license to possess firearm; he or she is included in the plantilla of the concerned agency; actual performance of duty or is on his or her way to and from his residence to his post, and wearing the prescribed uniform. (Visha Calventas)