A NATIONWIDE gun ban will be enforced starting January 12, 2025, the start of the election period.
With this, the police in Cebu City have vowed to strictly implement the directive in coordination with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) as part of preparations for the upcoming midterm elections in May 2025.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Maria Theresa Macatangay, deputy city director for operations of the Cebu City Police Office, said a series of City Joint Security Control Command Conferences with Comelec has been conducted to organize and establish the rules for enforcing the gun ban.
Macatangay said that Comelec checkpoints are expected across the city’s roads. Those caught carrying firearms without Comelec authorization will face serious charges.
"Checkpoints will not be set aside; instead, mas padaghanon pa nato ang atung mga checkpoints nga ipahigayon within the city, of course in coordination with Comelec," said Macatangay.
(Checkpoints will not be set aside; instead, we will increase the number of checkpoints conducted within the city, of course, in coordination with Comelec.)
All permits to carry firearms outside residences will be suspended during this period. Only uniformed personnel from the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other law enforcement agencies on active duty will be allowed to carry firearms.
Others allowed by law to carry firearms, provided they meet the requirements, include uniformed personnel such as justices, judges, lawyers, individuals transporting large sums of money, and cashiers.
Macatangay assured the public that enforcing the nationwide gun ban will not disrupt their efforts to maintain security during the Sinulog festivities. (AYB)