Brillantes fires “last bang” before the Jan. 13 gun ban
VILLASIS–Four days before the gun ban that takes effect today, January 13, in line with the May elections, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Sixto Brillantes led Comelec officials and gun enthusiasts in a shoot fest dubbed “Last Bang Before the Ban” held at the Villasis Practical Shooting Association Firing Range in Barangay Bacag.
Brillantes, who fired the ceremonial shots formally opening the shootfest, said the activity is a reminder to all gun holders that they better spend all their bullets now in target shooting before the implementation of the gun ban nationwide.
“We expect that before this shootfest, no other such activity will take place all over the country,” Brillantes said, stressing that the gun ban will be in effect until June 12.
He stressed that no one would be exempted from the gun ban, including members of gun clubs who are already making appeals so they can continue with their sport.
Under the gun ban, those allowed to carry firearms are: (1) Regular Uniformed Officers and Members of the PNP; Commissioned Officers (COs), Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) and Enlisted Personnel (EP) of the AFP; (2)Regular officers, members, and agents of the specified agencies of the government who are actually performing law enforcement and/or security functions: (3) Justices of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Sandiganbayan, and Court of Tax Appeal; and Judges of the Regional Trial Courts and Municipal/ Metropolitan/Circuit Trial Courts; and (4) Security personnel of accredited foreign diplomatic corps and establishments under international law including foreign military personnel in the Philippines covered by existing treaties and international agreements endorsed by the Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Heads of Missions of foreign countries in the Philippines.
POLITICIANS’ SECURITY
The security men of politicians are also allowed to carry firearms, but limited to only two people and they must be from the uniformed service.
Between the two, one is allowed to carry one high-powered firearm and the other only a handgun.
“That is the essence of gun ban, hindi kandidato ang may baril kundi yung mga security escorts nila,” Brillantes explained.
Brillantes said the Comelec would grant exemptions to other civilians who may have received threats on their lives but they must go through the set application process and pay corresponding fees.
The Comelec appealed to licensed gun owners to keep their weapons at home.
The gun ban will be implemented by the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, which have both been deputized by the Comelec.
The shootfest was also known as Comelec Commissioner Armando Velasco Cup in honor of the man from Alcala who is retiring in February. –with report from PIA-Pangasinan
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