Nationwide gun ban begins; 38 areas red for May elections

The nationwide gun ban began at midnight on Sunday, January 12, as part of heightened security measures for the May 12, 2025 midterm elections.

Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman George Garcia noted that the list of areas under 'grave concern' or red category may still change and currently identifies 38 such areas primarily within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Under Comelec Resolution No. 11067, regular members or officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and other law enforcement agencies who are duly deputized by the Commission may carry firearms during this period.

The ban includes exemptions for certain officials such as the President, Vice President, Senate President, Senators, House Speaker, Members of the House of Representatives, Chief Justice and Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, and others with equivalent rank in the Executive Branch.

Comelec will supervise all checkpoints established during the gun ban period to monitor compliance and ensure public safety; motorists are required to slow down for visual searches at these checkpoints.

The gun ban lasts until June 11, allowing only government officials with automatic exemptions or those who secured permits from Comelec to carry firearms within the five-month period.