PNP 8 vows to ensure strict implementation of election total gun ban in East Visayas
Tacloban City (January 5) — Newly-installed Police Regional Director Chief Superintendent Rey Lanada gave the assurance that the PNP in Region 8 will enforce total gun ban from January 10 to June 10 in order to ensure that honest, orderly and peaceful elections (HOPE) will prevail.
In a media interview, Director Lanada urged the public to report to the nearest police station, anybody, not in uniform who is carrying a gun, especially in public places during the election period.
The election gun ban, Director Lanada said covers even policemen and all personnel of security forces and law enforcement agencies who are not on official duty or those not duly deputized in writing by the Commission on Elections for any election duty.
The Comelec promulgated on December 16, Resolution No. 8714 entitled “Rules and Resolutions on the Bearing, Carrying or Transporting of Firearms or other Deadly Weapons and Employment, Availment or engagement of the Services of Security Personnel or Bodyguards, during the election period for the May 10, 2010 National and Local Elections.”
Central to Resolution 8714’s promulgation of the gun ban, Director Lanada said, is Section 32 of Republic Act 7166 which prohibits anyone to bear, carry or transport firearms or other deadly weapons in public places, including any building, street, park, private vehicle or public conveyance even if these are legally registered and owned.
Director Lanada also appealed to all gun owners, including and especially PNP personnel, to abide by Resolution 8714 and “just be proud to be part of the solution” – ensuring clean and credible elections.
He warned that administrative and criminal sanctions will be meted by police personnel caught violating Resolution 8714.
Meanwhile, only candidates from Mayor upwards may avail of PNP/AFP security detail subject to approval of the Regional Joint Security Control Desks. Not more than two regular members of the PNP, AFP or NBI shall be detailed as security for each politician, with the addition, upon request, of not more than two protective agents, except in exceptionally meritorious circumstances where additional security may be requested by candidates for national positions
Other candidates may engage the services of protective agents, subject to restrictions and conditions that the Comelec may impose. (PIA Region 
