Police in Dagupan City are monitoring bazaars and toy stores closely to ensure compliance with the nationwide election gun ban, which now includes a restriction on the sale of toy guns.

Vendors at Dagupan City’s night market have already removed toy guns from their stalls after authorities issued warnings.

“Hindi kami nagbebenta kasi bawal sa bata at saka eleksyon po kasi,” Najib Magarang, a vendor, said.

Under election rules, imitation firearms resembling real guns may be considered an election offense.

“May tinatawag tayo na imitation firearm. Kapag alam ng PNP na similar ito sa totoong baril, it might fall sa election offenses,” Atty. Michael Franks Sarmiento, Election Officer of COMELEC-Dagupan City, said.

Authorities assured regular inspections to prevent toy guns and gun replicas from being sold during the election period.

Meanwhile, several local officials have requested exemptions from the gun ban, citing security threats.

“May mga elected officials din tayo na nagre-request ng gun ban exemption. Depende ‘yun kung pasok sila doon sa isang indibidwal na may threat sa buhay nila. Pag-aaralan ‘yun, i-validate ng PNP,” PCOL. Rollyfer Capoquian, Pangasinan Police Provincial Director, said.

As of this writing, no application for gun ban exemption has been approved in Pangasinan.