Senior Supt. Rosendo Franco, police provincial director, said he has ordered the setting up of intensified checkpoints in all the towns and cities of Negros Occidental during the election gun ban period that started yesterday.

He said all police personnel serving as bodyguards of candidates will also be recalled.

The election gun ban will be in force until June 13. The COMELEC ban states that the bearing, carrying or transporting of firearms and other deadly weapons in public places, including any building, street park, private vehicle or public conveyance, by anyone, even if licensed to possess or carry the same is prohibited, unless authorized in writing by The Commission.

Acting Bacolod City police director, Senior Supt. Ronilo Quebrar, yesterday also warned the public not to bring firearms outside their residence without proper authority from the COMELEC.

The COMELEC took control over the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, effective yesterday.

Quebrar said that, as of yesterday, no person has been arrested for violation of the COMELEC gun ban and he is hoping this will continue up to the end of the election period on June 12. He said those caught violating the law will be detained and appropriate charges will be filed.*DMG

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