Gun ban starts January 12

CEBU, Philippines — The Police Regional Office-7 (PRO-7) is reminding the public that the nationwide gun ban will start on Sunday, January 12, 2025, as the election period for the May 2025 national and local elections begins.

Licensed gun owners can no longer carry firearms starting January 12. Only specific groups, including law enforcement agencies, justices, judges, and certain professionals such as cashiers handling large sums of money, are exempt under the Commission on Elections (Comelec) resolution on the gun ban.

Other individuals must apply for a certificate of authority from the Comelec to carry firearms legally.

Meanwhile, PRO-7 marked the 31st Philippine National Police Ethics Day the other day, serving as a reminder to police force members about the values dedicated to the safety and welfare of the nation and its citizens.

This year’s theme, "Serbisyong May Integridad at Pananagutan Tungo sa Ligtas at Mapayapang Pilipinas", urges the police force to contemplate the importance of integrity and accountability in policing services.

In his address, PRO-7 acting chief of regional staff, Police Colonel Arnel Apud, highlighted that adherence to the PNP’s Code of Professional Conduct and Ethical Standards should be seen not merely as a set of rules to follow, but as a call to action --to serve with honesty, fairness, and to uphold the dignity of humanity, which defines police officers as true servants of the people. — (FREEMAN)