A nationwide gun ban took effect on Sunday in the Philippines to stave off any increase in political violence as elections draw closer, officials said.
Elections in the Philippines are almost always bloody, mainly because of the dominance of political dynasties, the presence of nearly 70 private armies and militias, and the proliferation of what are called “loose firearms” — mostly unlicensed and unregistered weapons.
Though the elections are scheduled for May, there have already been reports of killings and attacks on candidates this year. Manuel Villar, a presidential candidate of the Nacionalista Party, said four of the party’s candidates for local office were killed in different areas in the first week of this month.
The worst poll-related violence happened in November, when 57 people were killed on their way to register a candidate for governor in Maguindanao Province in the south.
The new gun ban calls for officials to establish more than 3,500 checkpoints — at least 90 of them in Manila — to be staffed by 100,000 soldiers and police officers.
Police officials said that 18 people had been arrested on Sunday for carrying firearms.
“Most of them said they were not aware that the gun ban was already in effect, but that is not an excuse,” said Leonardo Espina, a police spokesman.
He said that charges would be filed against the violators.
Under the terms of the ban, civilians are not allowed to carry firearms outside of their homes, even if they are licensed. Only uniformed police officers or soldiers on duty are authorized to carry guns, and the law is so stringent that off-duty police officers who are in possession of firearms will be subject to arrest, Espina said. Three police officers, a navy enlisted man and a prison warden were among those detained on Sunday.
Politicians are prohibited from hiring bodyguards during the election period and possessing firearms as they campaign around the country.
Beyond that, the elections commission will have direct command of the police and the military at the checkpoints during the election period. The commission also has command of the military and the police in towns and provinces that are designated “hot spots” — areas that are thought to be vulnerable to violence during the election season, including Maguindanao.
Although election day is May 10, the gun ban will remain in effect until June 9.
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