Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman George Garcia on Friday reminded the public about the gun ban that will take effect on January 12, the eve of the election period.
This measure aims to ensure public safety, with strengthened security protocols to be implemented on the day itself.
“Simultaneous bukas ng gabi (January 12) at 12 midnight. Ang election period ay Enero 12. Meron na tayong gun ban,” Garcia said.
The election period will run from January 12 to June 11, 2025. The gun ban will be enforced throughout the duration of the elections.
Checkpoints will be set up in various parts of the country for the entire period of the gun ban.
“Ang lahat ng checkpoint ay under supervision ng Comelec,” he said.
“Iyung mga in-charge sa check point, PNP, AFP, sila ay limited lang sa plain view search,” Garcia added.
On Thursday, the Comelec identified 38 areas that are considered high-risk or are under its “red category.”
“May posibilidad na yung 38 na nasa BARMM ay bumaba… May posibilidad din na ‘yung 38 ay madadagdagan dahil yung mga nasa orange category, yellow category, o kahit ‘yung green category areas ay biglang nagiging red,” he said.
Garcia clarified that officers are not allowed to force motorcycle riders to dismount unless there is credible information indicating that they are carrying firearms.
“Hindi pwedeng magpabukas ng kung ano-ano sa sasakyan ninyo. Hindi pwedeng pababain maliban na lang kung may prior information sila patungkol dun sa ise-search na sasakyan o tao,” he emphasized.
Garcia assured that the rights of Filipinos will be upheld, and their safety will be prioritized through the implementation of the gun ban.
