OVER 3,000 COPS DEPLOYED TO ENSURE PEACEFUL BARMM POLLS

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has deployed a total of 3,316 policemen to enforce the gun ban in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao which started to take effect Thursday.

According to PNP spokesperson Col. Allen Rae F. Co , on orders of PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., police will fully enforce the prohibition on the unauthorized carrying of firearms and other deadly weapons in BARMM to ensure a peaceful and orderly parliamentary election on September 14.

The gun ban in the region will be implemented until September 29.

During the gun ban period, only members of the PNP, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other members of law enforcement agencies in their prescribed uniforms and performing official duties will be allowed to carry their government-issued firearms in the streets.

Other civilian gunholders are required to get a gun ban exemption permit from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) upon submission of all requirements.

Co said security forces assigned in the region were sent-off to their respective assignments during ceremonies held on Tuesday at the PRO-BARMM headquarters in Camp Brigadier General Salipada K. Pendatun in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte.

Officers will man checkpoints set up in 105 municipalities and three cities in the region.

Meanwhile, the PNP spokesperson said all other permits to carry firearms outside residence are suspended during this period.