Candidates running for mayor and other higher positions are allowed only two security personnel for the May 2010 elections in view of the recommendation made by the Philippine National Police (PNP) for a total gun ban, the Commission on Elections said Friday.

“It’s about time na mag-total gun ban tayo. Total, meaning ang recommendation ng PNP lahat ng candidate from mayor up will be entitled to two security policemen in uniform all the time,” Comelec Chairman Jose Melo said.

Melo said the uniformed security personnel will be allowed to carry firearms only when they are on duty.

The poll official also revealed that no one will be exempted from the total gun ban except in the case of the President and the Vice President.

“The only exception will be the President dahil entitled siya to more than one (security) kasi meron siyang security force for herself, yung PSG (Presidential Security Group). Yung vice president baka mabigyan din ng exemption,” said Melo.

He said they are hoping that with the implementation of the total gun ban, election violence in the country will decrease in next year’s political exercise.

“Of course maaaring may mga people na mag-violate diyan but let the voters know na itong isang candidate na ito is violating the gun ban,” the poll chief said.

“We have to start somewhere e. Kung sasabihin natin na mahirap iimplement ‘yan, na huwag na lang…wala na,” he added.

The Comelec will discuss the details of the total gun ban in their next en banc meeting on Tuesday.