COMELEC Resolution No. 11067 sets the official rules for firearm prohibitions and security measures during the May 12, 2025 National and Local Elections.
This resolution aims to reduce violence, intimidation, and political tension by controlling the possession and transport of firearms, explosives, and deadly weapons throughout the election period.
If you are a voter, security officer, candidate, or firearms holder, it’s important to understand what is allowed—and what is prohibited—under these rules.
Purpose of COMELEC Resolution No. 11067
The resolution was issued to:
- Protect public safety during the election period
- Prevent election-related violence
- Regulate security forces to avoid private armies and political intimidation
By enforcing strict firearm and security controls, COMELEC aims to ensure peaceful, credible, and orderly elections.
Scope and Coverage
COMELEC Resolution No. 11067 applies to:
- All civilians, licensed gun owners, and registered firearms holders
- Members of law enforcement agencies like the PNP, AFP, and security companies
- Candidates, public officials, and private individuals
The resolution covers the entire country during the designated election period from January 12 to June 11, 2025.
To understand how this fits into the overall election timeline, you might also check COMELEC Resolution No. 10999: What Voters and Candidates Must Know Now.
Key Provisions in COMELEC Resolution No. 11067
- Firearm Ban
During the election period:
- Carrying or transporting firearms and deadly weapons is strictly prohibited.
- Even licensed gun owners cannot carry their firearms outside their homes unless authorized by COMELEC.
This ban applies 24/7, not just on election day.
- Authority to Bear Firearms
Certain individuals or groups may apply for a Certificate of Authority (CA) from COMELEC to be exempted from the firearm ban, including:
- Active members of the PNP, AFP, and other law enforcement agencies
- Security personnel assigned to protect candidates (with prior COMELEC approval)
Without a valid CA, even law enforcement officers are not allowed to carry firearms in public places.
- Ban on Hiring Private Security or Armed Groups
Candidates and private citizens are prohibited from:
- Organizing or maintaining armed groups
- Hiring private security without COMELEC approval
Only security personnel with COMELEC-issued authority can legally operate during the election period.
Otherwise, the use of bodyguards or security escorts is considered an election offense.
- Prohibition on Explosives and Deadly Weapons
The ban also covers the transport and use of:
- Explosives
- Firearms accessories (like silencers)
- Bladed weapons and other deadly devices
There are very limited exemptions, usually tied to official law enforcement duties.
For those needing approval for firearm carrying during elections, COMELEC has separate guidelines, often detailed alongside COMELEC Resolution No. 11056: Key Rules for the 2025 Elections.
Penalties for Violations
Breaking the rules under Resolution No. 11067 is a serious election offense. Penalties include:
- Imprisonment of 1 to 6 years
- Disqualification from public office
- Loss of the right to vote
- Confiscation of firearms, weapons, or explosives involved
Violators are also not eligible for probation under Philippine election laws.
These strict penalties emphasize the importance of following the resolution carefully.
How to Apply for a Certificate of Authority (CA)
Individuals or organizations that need to carry firearms must:
- Submit an application form to the COMELEC Committee on the Ban on Firearms and Security Personnel (CBFSP)
- Provide supporting documents such as firearm licenses, employment proof, or security contracts
- Wait for COMELEC’s approval and issuance of the CA before carrying firearms
Applications are processed case-by-case to ensure only legitimate needs are approved.
COMELEC Resolution No. 11067 PDF Download
You can access and download the full text of COMELEC Resolution No. 11067 here.
This document provides all the technical details on prohibited acts, exemptions, and application procedures.
It’s highly recommended for security agencies, candidates, and gun owners to review the complete document.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can civilians carry guns during the election period?
No. Only individuals with a Certificate of Authority (CA) from COMELEC may carry firearms. - What happens if someone violates the firearm ban?
They can face jail time, disqualification from office, and confiscation of firearms. - Are law enforcement officers automatically exempt?
No. They still need COMELEC-issued authority to carry firearms outside official duties. - Can candidates hire bodyguards?
Only if COMELEC approves their security detail and issues proper authority.
Video: Gun ban at checkpoints, ilalatag na simula Jan. 12; pagsisiguro ng Comelec at PNP, ‘di… | 24 Oras
Starting January 12, the Philippine Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) will enforce a gun ban and set up checkpoints nationwide for the election period. These checkpoints aim to ensure safety during the May elections and are designed to be professional and transparent. Authorities emphasize that the public should not fear them.
Checkpoints will feature marked vehicles, proper signage, uniformed personnel with nameplates, and well-lit areas at night. Motorists are advised to cooperate by turning off headlights and switching on cabin lights when approaching. Searches will follow the “plain view doctrine,” focusing on visible areas unless there is reasonable suspicion based on behavior or prior information.
The initiative seeks to maintain peace and order during the election period. Authorities encourage the public to report any issues or suggest improvements to ensure smooth operations.
Conclusion
COMELEC Resolution No. 11067 plays a vital role in promoting a peaceful and credible election environment.
By limiting access to firearms and regulating security forces, it helps protect voters, candidates, and communities from election-related violence.
As the 2025 elections approach, everyone—especially gun owners and candidates—must be fully aware of these rules to avoid severe penalties and to support clean, orderly elections.