AFP warns troops, commanders vs violating gun ban

Direct superiors of soldiers who will be caught violating the gun ban may also be sanctioned, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP0 warned on Monday. “It is very important that all commanders should be able to abide with the gun ban rules. Command responsibility is paramount and commanders, who have under them subordinates who violate (gun ban), may also be held accountable," said AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta. Mabanta said military commanders will be asked to explain, on top of possible administrative charges that may be pursued, if their men are caught violating the gun ban, which has been in effect since September 25 and will last until November 10. The gun ban, being implemented nationwide, is in connection with the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on October 25. Soldiers are covered by the gun ban when they are not on duty, Mabanta said, adding that a number of soldiers were discharged from the service for such offenses during the May 10 elections.

Mabanta said soldiers who will be caught violating the gun ban will face both administrative and criminal charges. When asked what charges will be pursued against the commanders whose men will be found violating the gun ban, Mabanta said: "This would depend on the situation and the investigation that will be conducted." "For whatever your subordinate does and fails to do is reflective of leadership, as such very important is command responsibility," he added. - KBK/RSJ, GMANews.TV