Gun ban starts Jan. 12 as campaign period begins

A nationwide gun ban, coinciding with the start of the official campaign period for the May 2025 midterm elections, will take effect on Sunday, Jan. 12, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced yesterday.

- MARK ERNEST VILLEZA

Speaking at a news briefing at Camp Crame, PNP public information office chief Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo emphasized the importance of the gun ban in maintaining peace and order during the election period.

Only specific groups, including law enforcement agencies, justices, judges and certain professionals such as cashiers handling large sums of money, are exempt under the Commission on Elections (Comelec) resolution on the gun ban, according to Fajardo.

Other people must apply for a certificate of authority from the Comelec to carry firearms legally.

The PNP, in coordination with the Joint Security Coordinating Council (JSCC), is closely monitoring election-related security risks, including the presence of private armed groups (PAGs), loose firearms and intense political rivalries, which are known triggers for election-related violence.

“As of the fourth quarter of 2024, we had identified three active PAGs, located in Region 3, Region 7 and Mindanao,” Fajardo said in Filipino.

“Additionally, there are five potential PAGs under monitoring in Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao,” she added.

The PNP said that it is working to identify and assess areas with election risk factors.

It added that these areas would be colorcoded as election areas of concern (EACs) – green, yellow, orange and red – based on factors such as the presence of PAGs and intense political rivalries.

The final list of EACs will be determined by the Comelec after a thorough assessment and recommendations from the JSCC and related committees.

“The PNP will remain vigilant, especially in areas with heightened security concerns. We are prepared to deploy additional forces as needed to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process,” Fajardo said.

The PNP also reiterated that any violation of the gun ban would be met with appropriate legal action as part of its commitment to a safe and orderly election.