MANILA, Philippines — In preparation for the 2025 National and Local Elections in May, a total of 6,327 checkpoints have been established nationwide to enforce the election gun ban, which began on Jan. 12. The operation has led to the confiscation of 86 firearms, according to Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla.
Remulla said these checkpoints were part of a broad effort to ensure a peaceful and orderly election. Of the confiscated firearms, 33 were seized at checkpoints, 10 during buy-bust operations, 39 through police responses, and 3 via search warrants.
He said the DILG has flagged 34 election hotspots requiring extra security measures. Most of these 27 areas are in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), following its first-ever autonomous election.
The Northern Police District and Quezon City Police District in collaboration with the Commission on Elections man checkpoints along EDSA in Caloocan and Kalayaan Ave. in Quezon City on January 12,2025, the start of the election period. PHOTO BY ISMAEL DE JUAN
“BARMM is highly contested as it’s their first autonomous election. We expect heightened tensions,” Remulla said.
Other hotspots include two areas in Eastern Visayas and four in Luzon, identified due to their history of election-related incidents.
To address potential challenges, additional police forces will be deployed in these hotspots.
“We are committed to ensuring a safe and credible election process,” Remulla said.
He called on the public to comply with the gun ban and assist authorities by reporting suspicious activities.
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