Understanding the Gun Ban

During the election period, no person shall bear, carry or transport firearms or other deadly weapons in public places, including any building, street, park, private vehicle or public conveyance, even if licensed to possess or carry the same, unless authorized in writing by the Commission.

As defined under Rule I, Section I of COMELEC Resolution No. 10015 dated 13 November 2015, the Committee on the Ban on Firearms and Security Personnel (CBFSP) refers to the Committee created by the Commission to implement the law/s and rules on the ban on the bearing, carrying or transporting of firearms and other deadly weapons, and the employment, availment or engagement of security personnel or bodyguards during the Election Period. The CBSFP will exercise operational control and supervision over the Regional Joint Security Control Centers (RJSCCs) and the Provincial Joint Security Control Center (PJSCCs), and City or Municipal Joint Security Control Centers (C/MJSCCs).

The Commission, through the CBFSP, has the sole and exclusive power to issue Certificates of Authority (CA). It shall be assisted by a Secretariat composed of representatives from the Commission, the AFP and the PNP. The Secretariat shall be headed by a Senior Officer of the Commission.

Gun Ban Basic Information

1. PERIOD OF THE BAN

   January 10, 2016 up to June 8, 2016 (120 days before and 30 days after the Election Day)

2. PROHIBITED ACTS

   Unless authorized by the CBFSP, the following are the Prohibited Acts during the election period:

   1. To carry firearms and deadly weapons outside residence or place of business, and in all public places.
   2. To engage the services of security personnel
   3. To transport firearms and explosives, including its spare parts and components
3. PENALTIES
   1. Imprisonment from 1 to 6 years;
   2. Permanent disqualification from public office and loss of right to vote;
   3. Deportation for foreigners, but only after prison term is served;
   4. Cancellation of and/or perpetual disqualification to secure license or; permit;
4. WHO MAY BEAR, CARRY, OR TRANSPORT FIREARMS OR DEADLY WEAPONS?

   Listed under Rule III, Section 1 of COMELEC Resolution 10015 are the persons who may be authorized to bear, carry or transport Firearms or other Deadly Weapons during the Election Period.

5. PERTINENT LAWS, RULES, AND REGULATIONS
   1. Article VII, Omnibus Election Code (B.P. Blg. 881)
   2. Republic Act No. 7166
   3. COMELEC Resolution No. 10015
6. WHAT’S NEW?

   The application for the certificate of authority to bear, carry or transport firearms or deadly weapons can only be accomplished online.

7. SCHEDULE FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION

   Mondays to Fridays, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
   Saturdays, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM

8. RELEASE SCHEDULE FOR NEWLY ISSUED CERTIFICATES OF AUTHORITY

   Every Wednesdays and Fridays only
   8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Steps on How to Apply for Certificate of Authority

1. ONLINE ACCOMPLISHMENT OF APPLICATION FORM
   1. Read the Guidelines and choose the appropriate Application Form.
   2. Fill-up online the Application Form.
   3. Click SUBMIT to save the file as PDF.
   4. Print three (3) copies of the Application Form.
   5. Sign the forms and have it notarized.
   6. Proceed to the CBFSP, COMELEC - Intramuros, Manila (or PJSCC, when applicable) for submission of the Application Form.
2. FILING AND RECEIVING OF APPLICATION
   1. Get an Order Payment Slip (OPS) from the CBFSP-Public Assistance Desk (PAD) and then fill-up the necessary information.
   2. Present OPS to the CBFSP-Receiving Unit for the assestment of fees.
   3. Pay the assessed fee to the COMELEC Cashiers Office.
   4. Get a Queuing Number for the Receiving Unit. When the queuing number is called, proceed to the Receiving Clerk and present/submit the Application Form with all the required documents and a photocopy of the Official Receipt.
   5. Receive the 3rd copy/receiving copy of the application.
3. PROCESSING OF APPLICATION AND RELEASING OF CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORITY/LETTER OF DENIAL
   1. Check online the status of the application using the Docket Number indicated in the Application.
   2. Pick-up: (1.) Certificate of Authority, if application is approved, or (2.) "Advanced" Copy of Letter of Denial, if application is denied. (Original is sent through mail to the applicant's address on file.)
      
      NOTE: If applicant, present a valid ID. If through an authorized representative, present/ submit an authorization form and valid ID, and photocopy of the ID of the applicant.

Gun Ban Guidelines