MANILA -- Over a thousand violators of the ongoing gun ban for the 2025 elections have been apprehended by authorities, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Spokesperson Atty. Rex Laudiangco said as of Wednesday morning, 1,450 gun ban violators were nabbed while more or less 2,000 firearms and deadly weapons were confiscated.

He reminded the public that bearing firearms outside of residence is a violation of Republic Act 7166 or the Synchronized National and Local Elections Act.

Section 32 of the law prohibits carrying and transporting of firearms and other deadly weapons in public places during the election period unless authorized in writing by the poll body.

It also suspends the issuance of firearms licenses during the election period.

"Paalala natin sa ating mga kababayan, kahit po kayo ay may license to own at possess firearm, kahit kayo'y may permit to carry firearms, kahit may firearm registration ang inyong baril, 'pag nilabas niyo po ng bahay niyo 'yan nang wala pong karampatang certificate of authority or gun ban exception, nilalabag niyo po ang batas," Laudiagco said in a television interview.

The Comelec official also reminded members of shooting teams who are officially competing to apply for necessary clearances before the poll body.

"Ang pagbabago po ngayon talagang binigyan po natin ng probisyon 'yung ating shooting teams dahil alam naman po natin talagang nagpapasok ng medalya at tropeyo sa Pilipinas," Laudiagco stated.

"Maaari po silang mag-apply pati po 'yung lugar na kanilang pagdadausan ng training nila, 'yung mga shooting ranges ay bibigyan po ng pahintulot na mag-apply din nang sa gayon, tuluy-tuloy po ang kanilang training," he added.

The election gun ban started on January 12 and will last until June 11, 2025.