MANILA, Philippines – Eastern Police District director, Chief Supt. Francisco Soria Manalo, Tuesday said checkpoints have been set up in key areas in the cities of Pasig, Mandaluyong, San Juan, and Marikina in relation to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban that took effect last Saturday.

Manalo said there are still no reports at the EPD of any arrest made in relation to the gun ban.

“We have set-up various mobile checkpoints in relation to the Comelec gun ban as part of the security preparations for next month’s Barangay and SK elections. So far there are no arrests made,” he said.

The poll body earlier released the rules and regulations covering the bearing, carrying, and transporting of firearms and on the employment of bodyguards in connection with the October 25, 2010 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections.

In Resolution No. 9028, promulgated September 20, 2010, the Comelec en banc reiterated the need to “strictly enforce” Sections 32 and 33 of Republic Act No. 7166, that states: “During the election period, no person shall bear, carry or transport firearms or other deadly weapons in public places, including any building, street, park, private vehicle or public conveyance, even if licensed to possess or carry the same, unless authorized in writing by the Commission.

The issuance of firearms shall be suspended during the election period.”

It added that only regular members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other law enforcement agencies of the government are authorized to carry and possess firearms during the election period, provided they are in their full uniform and are in the actual performance of their election duties.