CITY POLICE director Col Col Hansel Marantan reminded Davaoeños about the enforcement of a nationwide gun ban from Jan. 12, 2025, to June 11, 2025, for the national and local elections in May.
“This ban is designed to prevent election-related violence and ensure that all candidates and voters can participate in the electoral process without fear or intimidation,” he said.
Under Commission on Election (Comelec) Resolution No. 11067, no person shall bear, carry, or transport firearms or other deadly weapons in public places, including any building, street, park, private vehicle, or public conveyance, even if licensed to possess or carry the same, unless authorized in writing by the Commission.
General prohibition. Section 261 (q) of the Omnibus Election Code prohibits any person from carrying firearms outside of their residence or place of business during the election period unless authorized by the Commission.
Sections 32 and 33 of Republic Act No. 7166 further prohibit the bearing, carrying, or transporting of firearms or other deadly weapons in public places, including buildings, streets, parks, and vehicles, unless authorized in writing by the Commission.
The penalties include:
- Imprisonment from one (1) to six (6) years.
- Permanent disqualification from public office and loss of right to vote.
- Deportation for foreigners, but only after the prison term is served.
As a general rule, only police officers, military, and members of government law enforcement agencies in complete uniform and while on official duty are allowed to carry firearms during the gun ban. Those seeking exemptions need to apply for a permit from the Comelec.
Photo courtesy of DCPO
