Comelec wants tougher stance vs gun ban violators
(FILE PHOTO) COMELEC checkpoint. Law enforcement officers conduct inspections at a designated checkpoint in Puerto Princesa to enforce the gun ban and ensure security ahead of the May 2025 elections.
Photo courtesy of PPCPO
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will issue a resolution to strengthen the gun ban and take more appropriate action against violators during the election period.
“The government will issue the necessary resolution and corrective measures to prevent violations and address cases involving loose firearms,” Comelec chairperson George Garcia said in an interview in Camp Crame on Monday.
Garcia said the resolution would prevent individuals from continuing to violate the gun ban or carry loose firearms — unregistered or illegally owned.
The latest data from the National Election Monitoring Action Center showed the Philippine National Police arrested 1,398 individuals for violation of the election gun ban from 12 January to 1 March.
Among those apprehended were 1,328 civilians, 31 security guards, nine police officers, seven members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and six foreign nationals.
Most violations were recorded in Metro Manila (419 cases), followed by Central Luzon (186) and Calabarzon (106).