Public warned: Gun replicas covered by BSK polls gun ban

By John Michael Mugas 

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte–The Ilocos Norte Provincial Police Office (INPPO) has issued a warning against the carrying and transport of gun replicas during the gun ban period for the 2023 barangay and Sanggunian Kabataan elections which is set to begin on Monday, Aug. 28.
    In a press briefing on Saturday, Aug. 26, Major Jephre Taccad, information officer of INPPO, said that the penalties for carrying real guns will be imposed on those bearing replica guns, including toy guys, airguns, airsoft guns, antique firearms, and other replicas or imitations of firearms.
    Taccad said that these gun replicas are usually carried to instill fear among rival election candidates and their supporters.
    The INPPO added that individuals cannot bear, carry or transport firearms, and other deadly weapons when its possession is not necessary to the occupation of the possessor, outside their residence or place of business.
    This applies even though their firearms are licensed, said Taccad.
Only individuals who have applied and obtained a certificate of authority from the Comelec can bear firearms during elections.
    The Commission on Elections (Comelec) earlier warned all aspiring candidates that charges will be filed for premature campaigning.

Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia said the poll body alongside law enforcement shall exercise strict actions against early campaigning.

Garcia said individuals who filed their certificates of candidacy were considered candidates.

The filing of the certificate of candidacy (COC) for BSKE was held Aug. 28 until Sept. 2.

Garcia said this measure applies to both direct and indirect campaigning.

"Lahat ng nakapaskil nilang 'yan, may vote for o wala, dapat tanggalin ng bawat isa.

Bawal mangampanya, bawal umikot, bawal mamigay, bawal ipakilala ang kanyang sarili (All of the poster materials, with or without the ‘vote for’, should be removed.

Campaigning is prohibited, giving is not allowed and also introducing oneself)," he said.

Garcia said stringent measures will be observed even on social media platforms.

Garcia even cited prohibited content on the candidates' online accounts.

Even on Facebook, they should remove it. You know, regardless of what they will say, even if it's just dancing, even a TikTok [content], that's campaigning. You have no reason to do TikTok or dance videos because you're now a candidate. Restrain yourself)," he said.

Likewise, incumbent officials are warned against untimely gift-giving, aid distribution, or unusual social service activities as these also fall under premature campaigning.

Violators may face disqualification and one to six years imprisonment.

Garcia urged the public to be keen and avoid voting for erring aspiring candidates.

Under the Comelec guidelines, aspiring candidates are only allowed to conduct their campaigns from Oct. 19 to 28.

Meanwhile, the Comelec confirmed the conduct of pilot early voting hours for the BSKE in select areas for the vulnerable sector.

The setup is expected to cater to senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and heavily pregnant women. – With a PNA report