Philippines enforces total gun ban as election period begin

The Philippines started Sunday the implementation of a total gun ban and installation of checkpoints all over the country as the election period for the May national and local polls begin.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) set the election period from Jan. 10 to June 8.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in an interview over a state-run radio station that prohibiting the carrying of firearms and other deadly weapons during the election period is one of the most effective ways to ensure the safety of the public as well as the orderly conduct of the election.

Coloma said the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) would ensure the strict implementation of the gun ban.

During the election period, it is prohibited to carry or transport firearms or other deadly weapons, unless a holder seeks exemption from the Comelec.

Coloma also said that Comelec checkpoints manned by the PNP or AFP personnel would be placed at strategic areas nationwide to observe the gun ban.