The cops andthe gun ban

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor GUILLERMO TEJIDA III Desk Editor NANETTE L. GUADALQUIVER Busines Editor NIDA A. BUENAFE Sports Editor RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

The Philippine National Police should be commended for its new policy regarding its own members who violate the provisions of the Elections Code imposing a ban on the carrying of firearms during the prescribed period.

Records show that, since the gun ban began, 39 police officers have been arrested for violating the resolution of the Commission on Election prohibiting the unauthorized carrying of firearms. According to the resolution, and as stressed by the PNP itself to its men, only those on duty and who are wearing the proper uniforms are allowed to carry firearms in public.

Thenumber of policemen arrested for this very offense indicates that they either do not understand the law, or they are not taking it seriously. Perhaps the announcement of their own Director General that those found violating this will be shipped to Mindanao, as well as made to undergo a 30-day refresher course, will, as the saying goes, put the fear of God in them.

It can be perceived that the PNP head is serious in his threat because of the recent development in Mindanao where more than 1,000 policemen in Maguindanao, scene of the infamous massacre where 57 innocent people were killed because of political rivalries, had been relieved, leaving that area virtually bereft of police protection.

Considering the political climate there, therefore, it will surely be no sinecure for any policeman, especially one unfamiliar with the territory, to be assigned there.

In his orders to his police commanders, the PNP chief also warned that they themselves will be dealt similar sanctions if found violating the law, or for failure to impose the same on their subordinates.

In the meantime, civilians, and even politicians themselves who are law-abiding, should welcome this development and do what they can to see that the COMELEC resolution is complied with. Only then can webe assured that violence will be minimized, if not totally prevented in the coming elections.*