The Philippine National Police said that effective today, January 9, authorities will conduct checkpoint operations in strategic locations to strictly implement the nationwide prohibition on the carrying of firearms by unauthorized individuals effective.
The gun ban will run until June 8, in line with the upcoming May 2022 elections.
Pursuant to Comelec Resolution No. 10728, the PNP has suspended the validity of all Permits to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFOR) issued to licensed firearm holders, juridical entities and members of government law enforcement agencies.
Under this Resolution, all guncarrying privileges by virtue of PTCFOR issued by the PNP are suspended for the entire duration of the election period.
Also suspended are Permits issued by the PNP to transport firearms, ammunition, explosives, public firearms display and exhibits, as well as employment of security personnel for VIPs.
As a general rule, only bonafide police, military and members of government law enforcement agencies in complete uniform and while on official duty are allowed to bear firearms for the entire duration of the election period.
Exemption from the COMELEC-imposed firearms prohibition may be secured from the COMELEC Committee on Ban on Firearms and Security Concerns (CBFSC).
