MANILA – The Philippine National Police Civil Security Group (PNP-CSG) has called on security agencies to ensure their personnel are aware of the gun ban in place for the 2025 midterm elections. During a press conference at Camp Crame, CSG spokesperson Lt. Col. Eudisan Gultiano emphasized that the Supervisory Office on Security and Investigation Agency (SOSIA) is holding regular meetings with the Philippine Association of Detective and Protective Agencies Operators, Inc. (PADPAO) to reinforce the regulations effective from January 12 to June 11.
Gultiano highlighted that SOSIA is actively distributing memorandum advisories directly to security agencies to keep them informed about the election-related policies and protocols. Additionally, the PNP-CSG has been working with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to spread awareness about the rules and regulations set for the 2025 national elections.
According to Comelec Resolution No. 11067, only individuals with a certificate of authority from the Committee on the Ban on Firearms and Security Concerns are allowed to carry firearms outside their homes or workplaces during the ban period.
Security agencies are tasked with educating their guards on the necessary protocols and actions to take during the election period. Gultiano noted that in cases of violations, not only the guards but also the agencies themselves may be summoned by SOSIA to assess any shortcomings in information dissemination, under the principle of command responsibility.
Recent PNP data reveals that 334 individuals have been apprehended for violating the gun ban, with 337 firearms seized. The violators include 316 civilians, 10 security guards, three members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, two from other law enforcement agencies, two foreign nationals, and one government official. The confiscated weapons comprised 147 revolvers, 94 pistols, seven explosives, six shotguns, one rifle, one M15 A2 rifle, and 81 other types of firearms. These were seized during various operations including 195 police responses, 76 buy-busts, 56 checkpoints, and 10 other lawful arrests.
The PNP also reported four possible election-related incidents as of January 23, occurring in Western Visayas, Cagayan Valley, and Soccsksargen. Further details on these incidents are yet to be disclosed by the PNP.