Gun ban in effect as SK election period starts Thursday

MANILA, Philippines—The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will start enforcing the nationwide gun ban on Thursday, January 22, as the 45-day campaign period for the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) poll starts.

The gun ban will be in effect during the election period from January 22 to March 2. Election Day is scheduled on February 21.

The Comelec reminded law enforcers and security personnel to renew their Certificates of Authority/Gun Ban Exemptions.

Previously issued gun ban exemptions are revoked except the regular security complement of the president, vice president, senators, congressmen, governors and all local elective officials except barangay officials. The exemption also applies to security of justices, judges, Cabinet secretaries, Comelec chairman and commissioners, Chief of Staff of the AFP, and PNP major service commanders, director generals and senior officers.