By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan

MANILA – Authorities apprehended four violators on the first day of the nationwide election gun ban on Sunday, according to Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil.
In a media interview at Kartilya ng Katipunan shrine in Manila, Marbil said the four violators were arrested in Regions 12 (Soccsksargen), 6 (Western Visayas), 3 (Central Luzon), and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) checkpoints and gun ban were among the stricter measures to be enforced during the election period from Jan. 12 to June 11.
The midterm national and local elections will be on May 12.
During the election period, all permits to carry and possess firearms outside residence are canceled, except for those who secured exemption from the Comelec or government officials with automatic exemptions.
As a general rule, only bona fide police, military and members of government law enforcement agencies in complete uniform and while on official duty are allowed to carry firearms for the entire duration of the election period.
Marbil said violators may face up to six years imprisonment and revocation of license to own firearms.
“Suspended ‘yan. We will just come up a with a policy kung ilang years ka namin hindi bibigyan ng baril (It will be suspended. We will just come up with a policy on how many years you will be banned to own gun),” he said.
“Just try us. Subukan niyo at mag-violate kayo, tatanggalan namin kayo habambuhay na hindi na kayo magdadala ng baril. ‘Yun ang panawagan namin sa kanila (Try and violate. We will ban you from carrying a gun for life. That is our warning to them),” he added.
Marbil said checkpoints will be operational across key locations nationwide, with police officers to to monitor and enforce election-related laws.
He assured transparency in the conduct of checkpoints, with at least one officer installed with a body camera.
“We call on the public to cooperate fully with law enforcement officers manning the checkpoints. These measures, including the gun ban, are critical to ensuring peace and order throughout the election period,” Marbil said.
“We urge everyone to be patient and understanding as these security measures are put in place. These are all for your safety and by working together, we can achieve a secure and orderly electoral process.”
Comelec chairperson George Garcia said the checkpoint inspections should be conducted in well-lit areas with proper signages and markings.
“Motorists are encouraged to turn on the lights inside the vehicle and roll down their windows when passing through a Comelec checkpoint,” he said.
He said security officers are not allowed to conduct body searches or require drivers to open their trunk or glove compartment for inspections, unless there is a reasonable ground the person inside the car has committed, is committing, or will commit a crime.
National Capital Region Police Office chief Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin said they are fully prepared to enforce the Comelec gun ban in Metro Manila.
“This is a firm commitment to defend the integrity of our democratic process. Let it be known — those who threaten the peace and safety of our elections will face immediate and decisive action. Our primary goal is to guarantee that every citizen can cast their vote without fear or intimidation,” he said in a statement. (PNA)