By MIKHA FLORES
AN official of the Armed Forces of the Philippines wants the Commission on Elections to allow police or military escorts for candidates in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao.
Lt. Gen. Rey Ardo, commanding general of the Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom), asked Comelec to reconsider a provision allowing only incumbent governors and congressmen to retain members of the AFP and the Philippine National Police in their security detail.
In a letter written by ARMM Regional Election Director Ray Sumalipao to Elections Commissioner Elias Yusoph, Ardo was quoted as saying that AFP and PNP personnel can minimize armed confrontations since they are “insulated from engaging in partisan political activities.”
AFP and PNP members also serve as “deterrent” when candidates resort to “nefarious” activities during the election period, he said.
The letter also noted that Region 9 or Zamboanga Peninsula only has one accredited protective agency authorized to secure candidates during the election period: Skylink Security Agency.
Yusoph said he is open to relaxing its rules for ARMM but it is up to the Comelec en banc to decide.
“I think we could allow that but (in the) meantime there is no decision (yet),” said Yusoph, head of the 2013 Committee on the Ban on Firearms and Security Personnel (CBFSP). The CBFSP implements the gun ban enforced throughout the country.
Yusoph added Comelec has already approved more than a hundred applications for gun ban exemptions. The exemptions include law enforcement agencies, senators and justices of the Supreme Court.
“There was a threat assessment made by the AFP and that of the PNP. They recommend(ed) the approval of these exemptions,” Yusoph said.
Partial List of Individuals Exempted from Gun Ban
The gun ban took effect on Jan. 13, the start of the election period.
During the gun ban period, individuals are prohibited from bringing or transporting firearms outside of their homes or their place of business. Public officials are also prohibited from hiring security personnel or bodyguard without the approval of the Comelec.
Transport of firearms and other explosives also needs Comelec’s approval during the period.