Total gun ban starts on January 10

Starting January 10, 2009, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP and the Philippine National Police (PNP) will enforce the total gun ban nationwide.

The authorities is enforcing the total gun ban on the first day of the official start of the election period, to curb election related violence.

National and local government officials who have existing uniformed security personnel assigned to protect, will also have their recalled. They may be reinstated but subject to the approval of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

PNP Chief Director General Jesus Versoza, in response to a Comelec resolution, issued a directive suspending all Permits to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFORs) effective January 10, until June 9, 2009.

Exempted from the total gun ban are only regular members of the police and military who are ON OFFICIAL DUTY.

“Only regular plantilla members of the PNP-AFP and other law enforcers who are receiving regular compensation for services rendered are authorized to bear, carry, transport firearms or other deadly weapons while in prescribed uniform with letter orders and mission orders during the actual performance of their official election duties to and from their posts or residences,” Brawner said.

This in effect, disqualifies even the government paramilitary forces performing security duties and carrying firearms during the election period. All uniformed personnel presently detailed to national and local officials running in the upcoming elections will also be recalled.