January 15, 2025 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — Even realistic toy guns or replicas are covered by the gun ban imposed in connection with the May 2025 midterm polls, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
“Airsoft, air guns, imitation firearms replicas are included in the ban,” Comelec spokesman John Rex Laudiango said yesterday.
Laudiangco, however, noted that toy guns which are easily distinguishable from real firearms are excluded from the ban.
“That’s why the enumeration of what would be considered as firearms for the purposes of the ban are those which have the look of a firearms. Not readily distinguishable,” he added.
Laudiangco further noted that bladed weapons are also covered by the election ban, although bladed instruments regularly used by trades or professions are excluded.
The Comelec started implementing the gun ban as the election period began on Sunday.
Videos at checkpoints
Saying it is all for transparency, the Philippine National Police (PNP) urged motorists to take videos of their interactions with police officers manning checkpoints during the election period.
Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, concurrent PNP spokesperson and Police Regional Office 3 director, said civilians are not prohibited from documenting police officers stationed at checkpoints.
She said motorists are free to record their conversations with police officers for their own security.
“If you think that you would be secure and safe while the police inspect you, that (taking a video) would be great for the spirit of transparency,” Fajardo told reporters.
As deputized agents of the Comelec, police are tasked to secure the conduct of the midterm polls. Among these is setting up checkpoints to thwart suspected criminals.
Fajardo assured the public that police are equipped with body-worn cameras and alternative recording devices to ensure transparency in their activities.
She said police officers underwent orientation by the Human Rights Affairs Office on standard operating procedures in implementing checkpoint operations, including the strict observance of the plain view doctrine or visual search.
Fajardo said PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil reminded police officers that they should act within the bounds of the law and should respect human rights.
The Internal Affairs Service (IAS) of the PNP, for its part, reminded police officers to strictly adhere to established protocols designed to safeguard human rights and ensure ethical policing.
“Checkpoints are a critical aspect of our law enforcement operations, but they must be conducted with utmost respect for the rights of the public,” IAS Inspector General Brigido Dulay said.
Dulay vowed to hold accountable and file administrative cases against police officers who disregard established procedures.
Loose guns
Twenty firearms have been confiscated in Metro Manila by police in law enforcement operations since the imposition of the election gun ban.
Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director, said 19 loose guns were confiscated in police operations from Jan. 12 to 14.
“We have captured 20 people carrying guns, 19 of which from usual police operations,” Aberin said over dzBB.
Nine of the firearms were seized in Manila, followed by six in northern Metro Manila and four in southern Metro Manila.
Another firearm was seized from a motorist who was apprehended at a Comelec checkpoint in southern Metro Manila.
The violators are facing cases for violating the gun ban and Republic Act (RA) 10591, or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition.
Meanwhile, two men were arrested by members of the Southern Police District’s special operations unit for carrying illegal firearms in Barangay Sto. Niño, Parañaque yesterday.
The operation led to the arrest of alias “Bryan,” 25, and alias “Owen,” 19, along Sucat Road, following a tip from a confidential informant regarding their alleged involvement in illegal firearm activities in Pasay and Parañaque.
During the operation, police seized a .45-caliber pistol with no serial number, a replica Glock 17 pistol, a magazine containing five .45-caliber rounds, a marked P1,000 bill used in the operation, a Honda PCX motorcycle, a shoebox and a cell phone.
Operatives reported resistance from the suspects during the arrest, resulting in minor injuries to some officers.
The suspects were eventually nabbed and taken to the District Special Operations Unit office for documentation and the filing of criminal charges.
They are facing multiple charges, including violations of RA 10591 as well as Comelec Resolution 11067, which enforces the election gun ban.
They are also charged under Article 148 of the Revised Penal Code for direct assault.
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