The Philippine National Police (PNP) is set to implement a nationwide gun ban starting January 12, marking the beginning of the election period for the upcoming midterm elections. This measure aims to ensure a peaceful and secure voting environment. PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo announced during a press briefing at Camp Crame that law enforcement will establish checkpoints at strategic locations to enforce the ban.
Only authorized personnel from the police, military, and other government law enforcement agencies, who are in full uniform and on official duty, are permitted to carry firearms during the election period. Individuals not on the exemption list must apply for a certificate of authority from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to carry firearms outside their homes or businesses. Failure to obtain this certificate will result in adherence to the gun ban starting January 12.
Fajardo emphasized the ongoing efforts to crack down on private armed groups (PAGs) and loose firearms, with the PNP closely monitoring five such groups to prevent their influence on the elections. From January to November 2024, the PNP reported 8,628 arrests for violations of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, with 25,240 firearms either confiscated, recovered, or surrendered, and 9,932 firearms turned over for safekeeping.
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) recorded the highest number of arrests for firearms law violations at 2,033, followed by Police Regional Office (PRO) – Central Luzon with 979, and PRO-7 (Central Visayas) with 906. In terms of confiscated or surrendered firearms, PRO-7 led with 3,951 cases, followed by PRO-6 (Western Visayas) with 3,023, and NCRPO with 2,175. PRO 4-A (Calabarzon) reported the highest number of firearms turned over for safekeeping at 2,797.
Comelec Chair George Erwin Garcia reminded the public about the gun ban checkpoints that will be set up in strategic areas. These checkpoints will not only target firearms and deadly weapons but also assess the peace and order situation in certain areas, potentially placing them under Comelec control. Garcia also mentioned an upcoming meeting with the PNP on January 9 to discuss areas of concern related to the forthcoming polls. He noted numerous requests for gun ban exemptions, alongside automatic exemptions for certain officials such as prosecutors, judges, and legislators.