A nationwide gun ban will take effect on Sunday, January 12, marking the start of the official campaign period for the May 2025 midterm elections, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has announced.
PNP Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo underscored the importance of the gun ban to ensure peace and order during the election period.
Exemptions will be limited to law enforcement agencies, justices, judges, and specific professionals like cashiers managing large sums of money, as specified by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Other individuals must secure a certificate of authority from the Comelec to carry firearms legally.
The PNP, in partnership with the Joint Security Coordinating Council (JSCC), is monitoring risks such as private armed groups (PAGs), loose firearms, and political rivalries—key triggers of election-related violence.
As of late 2024, three active PAGs have been identified in Regions 3, 7, and Mindanao, with five more under monitoring nationwide.
Areas with heightened risks will be classified into color-coded categories—green, yellow, orange, and red—indicating the level of concern.
Comelec will finalize this list based on assessments from the JSCC and other committees.
The PNP also warned of legal action against violations of the gun ban.
“We are prepared to deploy additional forces as needed to safeguard the electoral process,” Fajardo stated.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia announced the establishment of checkpoints nationwide, stressing their role in maintaining peace and order.
These checkpoints will follow constitutional protocols and adapt to local security needs.
Checkpoints will operate until June 12 or earlier if deemed unnecessary, with law enforcement and Armed Forces personnel under COMELEC supervision.
Ballot printing milestone
In preparation for the elections, the printing of 73 million ballots began earlier than ever.
Comelec’s Printing Committee Vice Chair Helen Flores highlighted the January start, a historic first compared to usual February timelines.
With an estimated 950,000 ballots produced daily, the target completion date is April 14, allowing for reprints and quality checks.
Miru Systems, the technology provider, assured a secure and transparent printing process.
Special security measures are in place for ballot printing, which requires specific materials and secret markings.
Each ballot will be scanned by counting machines to verify compatibility.
Of the 73 million ballots, 68.4 million are designated for the midterm elections, 2.3 million for Bangsamoro parliamentary elections, and over 100,000 for local absentee voters.
Comelec emphasized its commitment to transparency, livestreaming the printing process and allowing observers to monitor activities.
The PNP and Comelec are determined to ensure a peaceful and orderly election period through strict gun ban enforcement, enhanced security measures, and meticulous preparations for the electoral process.
Photo Courtesy: Philippine News Agency
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