DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) —To ensure peace and order during the election period, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), in partnership with the Philippine National Police (PNP), will enforce a nationwide gun ban starting Jan. 12 midnight.
This strict measure will be in effect throughout the 2025 National, Local, and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) election period that will end on June 11. This means that licensed firearms and other deadly explosive weapons must not be carried outside residences, places of business, and in all public places.
Lawyer Nathaniel Siaden, Election Officer IV of COMELEC-Urdaneta City, warns that individuals caught carrying banned objects during the election period without proper authorization risk hefty fines.
Penalties for violations
Violating COMELEC Resolution No. 11067 and the Omnibus Election Code (Batas Pambansa Bilang 881) carries the following penalties:
- Imprisonment for not less than one year and not more than six years;
- A fine ranging from P1,000 to P3,000; and
- Perpetual disqualification from holding public office, whether appointive or elective.
“Other than that, they might also face charges under the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition (Republic Act No. 10591). The penalty for this offense is high, ranging from eight to 12 years of imprisonment,” Siaden said during the Pantongtongan Tayo (Pag-Usapan Natin) program of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-Pangasinan.
To avoid penalties, all must adhere to election laws and firearms regulations.
Exemptions to the gun ban
While the general rule prohibits unauthorized individuals from carrying firearms, exemptions are granted to certain law-enforcement personnel while on duty, who are no longer required to obtain a certificate to carry firearms, they included:
- Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and PNP
- President and Vice President
- Senate President and Senators
- Speaker of the House
- Chief Justice
Siaden, meanwhile, said that those not included in the list of exemptions, who wish to bring firearms to their respective places of business – for example, a security guard in a bank, mall, or restaurant – must apply for the issuance of a certificate of authority from COMELEC before the gun ban starts.
“However, they must [insure] that their firearms should first be kept in a safe place when going outside their respective premises – not carried with them in public areas,” Siaden said. This is to avoid causing public concern or panic.
Pangasinan police step up efforts for security
The Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (PPO) is intensifying its efforts to prevent election-related violent incidents in the province.
Trisha Mae Guzman, chief of the Public Information Office of Pangasinan PPO, said that police visibility and presence even before this upcoming election period are maintained for quick outreach and response in case of emergencies.
“We have a total of 3,294 police personnel who will be deployed at checkpoints along major thoroughfares in cities and towns this gun ban, including quick response teams assigned to police assistance desks and commercial establishments to ensure the safety and peace of the entire province,” Guzman said, adding that regular patrols will also be conducted to maintain public order and prevent potential threats.
She reminded motorists to adhere to the gun ban rule and avoid being confrontational with police officers to avoid penalties, as well as to follow road safety regulations to prevent accidents.
She assured the public that all Pangasinan police personnel deployed in the field have been trained to be courteous, respectful of human rights, and mindful of not causing any discomfort.
In case of discourteous police officers, they can be reported to the nearest police station through their hotline numbers, which can be found at https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Du6fGKgBZ/.
Pangasinan LGUs in yellow category for 2025 polls
The COMELEC reported on Jan. 9 that two cities and five municipalities in Pangasinan had been classified under the yellow category for the 2025 midterm elections.
These areas include the cities of Dagupan and Urdaneta, and the municipalities of Aguilar, Binmaley, Malasiqui, Mangaldan, and Sual.
According to COMELEC, the yellow category includes places considered as areas of concern due to past election-related violent incidents, political rivalry, private armed groups that need COMELEC control.
COMELEC Pangasinan assured the public they would closely monitor these areas to prevent any irregularities.
“Our goal in running for office is to help and serve our fellow citizens, so let us show
by example. Play fair and fight fair to demonstrate this to our constituents,” Siaden said.
“The Pangasinan PPO will continue preparing appropriate plans and measures to ensure that the election will take place smoothly and safely,” Guzman said.
With intensified monitoring and proactive measures by these agencies, the upcoming election is expected to be fair, honest, and credible, ensuring a smooth and secure voting process for everyone. (AMB/JCDR/PIA Pangasinan)
