On the inaugural day of the nationwide election gun ban, four individuals were apprehended for violations, as announced by Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil. The arrests took place across various regions including Soccsksargen, Western Visayas, Central Luzon, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The gun ban, part of stringent election-related measures, will be in effect from January 12 until June 11, covering the period leading up to and following the May 12 midterm elections.
During this period, all permits to carry and possess firearms outside of one’s residence are nullified, with exceptions only for those granted exemptions by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) or government officials with automatic exemptions. Only uniformed police, military, and law enforcement personnel on official duty are permitted to carry firearms.
Violators of the gun ban could face up to six years in prison and the revocation of their firearm licenses. Marbil emphasized that a policy is being developed to determine the duration of the ban on firearm ownership for offenders. He warned that persistent violators could face a lifetime ban on carrying guns.
Checkpoints will be established across the country to enforce election laws, with officers equipped with body cameras to ensure transparency. Marbil urged the public to cooperate with law enforcement at these checkpoints, stressing the importance of these measures for maintaining peace and order during the election period.
Comelec chairperson George Garcia outlined that checkpoint inspections should occur in well-lit areas with clear signage. He advised motorists to turn on their interior lights and lower their windows when approaching a checkpoint. Security personnel are restricted from conducting body searches or inspecting vehicle trunks and glove compartments without reasonable suspicion of criminal activity.
Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin, head of the National Capital Region Police Office, affirmed their readiness to enforce the gun ban in Metro Manila, emphasizing their commitment to safeguarding the democratic process and ensuring that citizens can vote without fear or intimidation.