Comelec receives 223 applications for gun ban exemption

The Commission on Elections has received 223 applications for exemption to the gun ban enforced since the start of the election period.

According to the data provided by the Comelec Wednesday, 127 of 223 applications were from security detail, 53 from security agencies, 21 from law enforcement agencies, 10 were from high-risk individuals, 10 were from personnel seeking authority and accreditation for transportation of firearms and other controlled chemicals, and two were from cashiers and disbursing officers.

Of these 223 applications, 38 were approved and 74 were denied.

The election period officially started on Sunday, following the Comelec’s calendar for Eleksyon 2022. This means the gun ban is in effect until June 8, 2022 or a total of 150 calendar days.

Only the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Philippine Coast Guard and members of other law enforcement agencies, are exempted from the gun ban, as long as they obtain authorization from the Comelec and wear agency-prescribed uniform while performing official duties during the election period.

The Comelec has issued guidelines for checkpoints that have been set up nationwide as part of efforts to ensure that the ban on firearms and other deadly weapons is enforced. — BM, GMA News