By Joseph Bernard A. Marzan
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in Iloilo City is reminding the public to follow firearm regulations during the election period after recording five gun ban violations in just over a month.
Jonathan Sayno, Election Assistant II of the Iloilo City COMELEC office, told Daily Guardian on Air that violators were caught through police checkpoints and incidents where authorities responded to conflicts involving firearms.
Under Section 32 of Republic Act No. 7166, carrying firearms during the election period is prohibited unless authorized in writing by the COMELEC. Permits to carry firearms are also suspended during this time.
Only regular members of the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other government law enforcement agencies deputized by the COMELEC may carry firearms.
The election period began nationwide on Jan. 12, based on COMELEC Resolution No. 10999, promulgated on May 24, 2024.
Section 70 of COMELEC Resolution No. 11067, which regulates the 2025 election gun ban, imposes penalties ranging from one to six years of imprisonment.
Those found guilty will also be disqualified from holding public office and deprived of their right to vote.
However, Resolution No. 11067 provides exemptions, allowing the COMELEC to issue Certificates of Authority (CA) under certain categories.
These include law enforcement agencies, diplomatic missions, security agencies, cashiers or disbursing officers, high-risk individuals, security details, transport personnel, sports shooters, theatrical property handlers, and shooting range operators.
COMELEC-issued CAs are valid from the date of issuance until the end of the election period.
Sayno said those who qualify for exemptions may apply online through the COMELEC website, which also lists the necessary requirements.
“We remind the public that it is election period. Bringing firearms outside residences or workplaces is prohibited unless there is a certificate of exemption from the COMELEC,” Sayno said.
COMELEC, in partnership with the PNP, has set up checkpoints in key areas to monitor compliance with the gun ban and other election-related regulations through plain-view inspections.
Sayno added that these checkpoints are located in well-lit areas and feature signages and designated PNP personnel.
