THE Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Noccpo) is all set for the implementation of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban which will begin on Saturday, January 9, 2022.
Noccpo Spokesperson Lieutenant Abegael Donasco said Nocppo Director Colonel Romy Palgue ordered all police chiefs in the province to install checkpoints in their respective areas of responsibility.
Palgue also instructed the policemen to ensure that they are following the guidelines of the Comelec, adding that all policemen who have been serving as escorts to local politicians were also recalled.
As for civilians who wanted to be exempted from the gun ban, Donasco said they need to apply for an exemption with the Comelec while the Philippine National Police (PNP) will check if their reason for exemption is valid.
Anyone caught carrying a firearm will be charged with violating the Comelec resolution on the gun ban as well as additional charges related to Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms.
During the gun ban only uniformed personnel from the PNP, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other law enforcement agencies are allowed to carry firearms.