CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (PIA) – Over 3,000 registered firearms have been turned over for safekeeping by the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Calabarzon as the election gun ban for the 2025 Midterm National and Local Elections (MNLE) takes effect.
During a press briefing held at Camp General Vicente Lim in Calamba City, Laguna, on Monday, Feb. 2, the Police Regional Office IV-A (PRO IV-A) presented 3,138 firearms and explosives surrendered by electoral candidates, their family members, and supporters.
The safekeeping initiative is part of the PNP’s IMPLAN FEEL SAFER (Firearms and Explosives from Candidates, Supporters, Kin, and Juridical Entities for Safekeeping and Disposal – An Effort Leading to a Secure, Accurate, and Fair Election) in the Calabarzon region.
This initiative allows local officials, leaders, supporters, and other gunowners to deposit their registered firearms, as well as those with expired licenses, for safekeeping and disposal before and during the election period. The measure aims to prevent gun-related violence during the elections.
Additionally, 1,187 firearms were surrendered to authorities through Oplan Katok, a police initiative where officers visit the homes of registered gun owners to verify whether their firearms are still in their possession.
Other law enforcement operations, including the implementation of search warrants, checkpoint operations, police patrols, and Oplan Bakal, led to the recovery of 414 firearms and the arrest of 313 individuals for violating the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
Police Colonel Melvin Napiloy, Deputy Regional Director for Administration of PRO IV-A, said that the recent accomplishments of the Calabarzon police reflect their commitment to preventing election-related violence.
“We assure the public that the PNP, in coordination with the Commission on Elections and other frontline government agencies, will continue the strict enforcement of the gun ban to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.”
Napiloy also reminded the public that unauthorized carrying, possession, or transport of firearms and deadly weapons during the election period is strictly prohibited and may result in legal consequences under the Omnibus Election Code.
“We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any violations to the nearest police station or through our hotlines. Your cooperation is vital in ensuring a safe, fair, and peaceful election.”
According to the Commission on Elections IV-A, Calabarzon remains the most vote-rich region in the country, with 9.7 million registered voters, including over 1 million first-time voters.