CAMP DANGWA, Benguet -- The Police Regional Office Cordillera (PROCOR) is making early preparations to assume election duties as a deputized agency of the Commission on Election (COMELEC) in preparation of the upcoming 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE). Brig. General David Peredo, Jr., regional director said that in line with Comelec Resolution No. 10902 that approved the calendar of activities for the 2023 BSKE, he has directed concerned units to strictly enforce all the provisions against prohibited acts during the entire 90-day election period as enumerated under the Omnibus Election Code and Resolutions passed by the COMELEC. In a press statement released on June 7, 2023, by the COMELEC Committee on the Ban on Firearms and Security Concerns (CBFSC), the following acts are prohibited during the election period, unless authorized by the CBFSC: bearing, carrying, or transport firearms and other deadly weapons outside residence or place of business and in all public places, unless authorized in writing by the Comelec. Employing, availing of, or engaging the services of security personnel and bodyguards, transporting and delivering firearms and explosives, including their parts, ammunition, and/or components are also prohibited. Peredo said these prohibitions are considered election offenses punishable with imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than six years without probation, permanent disqualification to hold public office, and deprivation of the right of suffrage. If the violator is a foreigner, they shall be sentenced to deportation after serving the corresponding prison term. He said, the gun ban period will start on August 28 and run until November 29. Peredo has also instructed the entire police force in the region to be vigilant as the election approaches and to watch the areas where there is a possibility of violence.