Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Zambo police warn citizens vs. illegal firearms

PAGADIAN CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / January 27, 2010) – Police on Wednesday reminded citizens not to carry firearms whether licensed or not because of the nationwide gun ban being implemented in the country ahead of the May national polls.

Senior Superintendent Ramon Ochotorena, the Zamboanga del Sur provincial police chief, said the total gun ban which took effect this month will stay until June.

“We will spare no one. This should served as warning to all that the police will not tolerate any violations of the gun ban whether civilians or not,” he told the Mindanao Examiner newspaper.

He said the Resolution 8714 of the Commission on Elections strictly prohibits the carrying and transport of firearms, explosives and deadly weapons from January 10 to June 09, 2010.

He said only uniformed members of the police, military men, and government security agencies that are on official duties are allowed to carry firearms during the 150-day election period or provided they have Comelec permits exempting them from the gun ban.

Ochotorena explained the gun ban will prevent or reduce poll related violence. “This early there are 30 mobile check points scattered around the whole province to implement the order,” he said.

Police have arrested several gun ban violators in the province. (Becky de Asis)

No comments: