MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) reminded residents of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) that the gun ban will be strictly enforced once the election period for the parliamentary polls begins next month.

Comelec Chairperson George Garcia urged residents to comply with election regulations and to secure proper permits if they need to carry firearms during the election period scheduled from July 16 to Sept. 29, 2026.

“I hope everyone will cooperate. That we are not in a place where we can freely carry our firearms…All firearm licenses in the region are suspended once the election period starts,” Garcia said in a recent interview.

He said exemptions may be granted, particularly for individuals facing security risks or those whose work requires carrying firearms, but stressed that approval from the poll body is necessary.

“If you still want to carry, because of the nature of the work, because of the risk, death threats if there are any, it is appropriate that we apply for an exemption,” he said.

Garcia also noted that nearly 16,000 individuals were arrested during the 2025 elections for violating the gun ban.

He said the enforcement will be stricter in BARMM to ensure orderly filing of certificates of candidacy from May 5 to 7 and smooth conduct of the election period leading up to Election Day on Sept. 14, 2026.

“We will enforce the gun ban more strictly in the Bangsamoro [Region]. We want the smooth filing of candidacy from May 5 to 7 to continue until we get to Election Day (September 14, 2026),” Garcia said.

He also reminded law enforcement agencies, including police and military personnel, to respect rights and strictly observe the plain view doctrine during checkpoints.

“As long as Comelec instructions are followed, the rights of passengers, and the rights of motorists will always be respected,” he said.

“They should be limited to the so-called plain view doctrine. There is no need to open anything or order people to alight from vehicles. The highest consideration is always to respect the rights of everyone,” he added.

Under election laws, several acts are prohibited during the election period, including carrying firearms or deadly weapons without Comelec authorization, use of security personnel by candidates, alteration of precinct territories, transfer of civil service employees, maintenance of armed groups, and suspension of elective officials without Comelec approval.