A firearms ban was imposed on the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) yesterday in connection with the scheduled registration of voters in the region’s provinces.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome ordered the suspension of gun-carrying previleges in the ARMM.
Bartolome has signed the 23-day suspension of all permits to carry firearms outside of residence in the entire ARMM as well as Cotabato City and Isabela City from July 1 to 23.
The PNP said the registration will be held from July 9 to 18.
Based on the document posted on Facebook, only the members of the PNP, the military and other law-enforcement agencies performing duties in uniform will be allowed to carry firearms.
The gun ban was imposed to ensure that the voter’s registration would be peaceful.
On Wednesday, a Provincial Coordinating Conference was conducted in Maguindanao to tackle the security and preparations for the general registration.
Those who attended the conference were Maguindanao Commission on Elections (Comelec) Supervisor Udtog Tago and representatives from the Department of Education, the PNP, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) and C-Care.
Tago said 332 machines will be used in the province for the general registration with about 10 security personnel, a regular election officer and an assistant for every machine.
The 332 voter’s machines will be distributed in at least 36 towns in Maguindanao where the general registration will be held.
Meanwhile, the PNP disclosed that thousands of police officers and members are set to be deployed in the region to ensure and maintain the peace and order situation while the registration is being held.