Police personnel conduct checkpoint operations in Taytay, Rizal on Jan. 12, 2025. Kaxandra Salonga, ABS-CBN News 

MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday said four people have so far been arrested for violating the gun ban, as the election period officially began midnight.

Police Gen. Rommel Marbil, PNP chief, said these violators were in the Central Luzon, Bangsamoro, Soccsksargen, and the Western Visayas regions.

“Mostly ng nakuha at nakumpiska ay pistol. Vine-verify natin ay may na-intercept na long firearms. Tuloy-tuloy ang pagtanggap ng exemption,” said Police Brig.Gen. Jean Fajardo, PNP spokesperson, said.

(Most of the guns confiscated were pistols. We are still verifying a report of long firearms being intercepted. We continue to accept exemptions)

The Comelec can exempt personnel of the PNP, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other enforcement agencies from the gun ban if they have been deputized for election duty.

Those exempted are supposed to be in full uniform, with their names, ranks and serial numbers visible at all times, and are “in the actual performance” of election duty.

She added that uniformed personnel who bring firearms when off duty face sanctions.

The election period and the implementation of the gun ban is from Jan. 12 to June 11, 2025.

PNP calls on citizens to cooperate at Comelec checkpoints

As in previous elections, checkpoints will be be established in parts of the country as the gun ban takes effect.

According to the Commission on Elections, those found violating the gun ban may face imprisonment of not less than one year, permanent disqualification from public office and the loss of the right to vote.

Foreigners found violating the gun ban may face deportation “but only after prison term is served,” the poll body said.