3.

How many COMELEC In accordance with Resolution

Checkpoints will be set up in the No. 11067, in cases where there is an
Philippines? apparent violation of the Gun Ban, any
member of the team manning the
At least one COMELEC COMELEC Checkpoint must ask for
Checkpoint shall be established in the corresponding CA to bear, carry,
each city/municipality in the or transport such items. If you do not
Philippines, including its ports, and have one, the authorities will treat you
additional and on-the-spot checkpoints as violating the Gun Ban.
COMELEC Checkpoint Idiot’s Guide may also be established where the
circumstances warrant. 6. Can the authorities ask for
anything other than my CA at a
1. What are COMELEC COMELEC Checkpoint?
Checkpoints? 4. What happens if I don’t have a
Certificate of Authority (CA) for Yes, authorities may also ask
COMELEC Checkpoints are carrying a firearm? to see other identification documents,
locations set up by the authorities such as your driver’s license and
during the Election Period where they During the Election Period and vehicle registration. They may also
inspect individuals, vehicles, and Gun Ban, any person not in inspect your vehicle for any illegal
belongings to enforce election laws, possession of any Certificate of items, including firearms and
including the Gun Ban. They check for Authority (CA) issued by the explosives.
the illegal possession of firearms and Committee on the Ban on Firearms
other election-related violations. and Security Concerns (CBFSC) is 7. What happens if the authorities
presumed to be without authority to find a firearm or related items at a
2. When do COMELEC Checkpoint bear, carry, or transport the firearms, COMELEC Checkpoint?
start? ammunitions, explosives or any
parts/components/controlled If the authorities find a firearm,
The nationwide simultaneous chemicals thereof.Authorities at the ammunition, explosives, or other
launching of COMELEC Checkpoints COMELEC Checkpoint will related items without a valid Certificate
started on January 12, 2025, the confiscate the firearm and you may of Authority (CA), they will confiscate
same day the Election Period began face legal consequences the items. You may also face charges
for the 2025 National and Local and penalties for violating the Gun
Elections and BARMM Parliamentary 5. What should I do if I’m stopped at Ban.
Elections a COMELEC Checkpoint and I have
a firearm? 8. Can the authorities set up
additional COMELEC Checkpoints
during the Election Period?
 11. Can I refuse a search at a COMELEC logo and other details,
COMELEC checkpoint? indicating that the checkpoint is for
Yes, in addition to the standard election-related purposes.
checkpoints, the authorities can set up You cannot refuse to be
additional and on-the-spot COMELEC 14. Can I file a complaint about a
checked for compliance with
Checkpoints as needed, depending on
election laws. However, any search COMELEC checkpoint?
the situation and circumstances.
These may be established to address must be conducted in a manner
specific concerns or areas with high that respects your rights, and Yes, if you feel that your
election-related risks. authorities cannot conduct rights have been violated at a
unreasonable searches without a checkpoint, you can file a
warrant. complaint with the COMELEC or
9. Do I have to stop at a COMELEC the Philippine National Police. You
checkpoint? may also approach a lawyer or
12. Can I carry firearms during legal aid group for assistance.
Yes, motorists are required to the election period?
stop at a COMELEC checkpoint when 15. What are the key reminders
signaled by law enforcement
No, unless you have a for motorists and vehicle
personnel. Failing to do so may result
in penalties. Permit to Carry Firearms Outside operators when approaching a
of Residence (PTCFOR) and checkpoint?
Certificate of Authority (CA) which
10. What are my rights when is granted by the COMELEC or Motorists and vehicle
stopped at a COMELEC other authorized entities. A gun operators are reminded to reduce
checkpoint? ban is enforced during the election their speed, dim their lights, and
period, and authorities at the turn on their cabin lights when
You have the right to remain checkpoint will confiscate any approaching a checkpoint.
silent and avoid answering any unauthorized firearms.
questions unrelated to the 16. What are the rules regarding
checkpoint’s purpose. However, 13. Are there signs to indicate a searches at COMELEC
you must provide identification and COMELEC checkpoint? checkpoints?
comply with legal requests, such
as showing your driver’s license Yes, COMELEC The most basic rule at
checkpoints are usually marked COMELEC checkpoints is that only a
and vehicle registration.
with clear signs, such as a visual search is allowed, unless there
tarpaulin or a banner bearing the are exceptions under a warrantless
search. No person or occupant of the
vehicle shall be subjected to a
physical or body search, and the
public is not required to open the
compartment, trunk, or bags inside the
vehicle.

17. What are the rules regarding

searches at COMELEC For more information, you can
checkpoints, and how should reach your Legal Service through
violations or incidents be handled? the hotline number for legal advice:

The general rule at COMELEC PLO, Agusan Del Sur --09461933638

checkpoints is that a search can only
be conducted if the officers are armed
with a search warrant issued by the You may also access your Legal
authority or a judge. However, police Service through the email address
officers may enforce a warrantless below:
search under specific circumstances,
such as when there are suspicious [email protected]
occupants or reasonable cause to
believe the occupants are law
offenders. Any violations or incidents
during a COMELEC checkpoint must
be reported to the Election Officer
(EO) within 24 hours.