Total gun ban in effect in Cebu for ASEAN Summit

The whole of Cebu has been placed under a total gun ban from May 4 to 11, 2026 as the province hosts leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and delegates to the ASEAN Summit.

The ban, essentially, suspends the following:

• Permit to transport firearms for gun club members
• Permit for gun manufacturers, dealers, and repair services
• Permit to carry firearms outside of residence
• Permit to transport and purchase explosives and explosive ingredients

The ban also shuts down all firing ranges temporarily and suspends licenses in the manufacturing of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.

During this period, only personnel of the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and personnel of other law enforcement agencies on official duty are allowed to carry firearms.

They must be wearing their prescribed uniforms.

Violators of the ban may be arrested and may face charges.

Security groups

Several days before the summit, personnel tasked to secure the summit were sent off formally in Lapu-Lapu City, which is situated in Mactan Island, where the main events of the summit will take place.

Mactan Island is also where the international airport is located.

The security personnel include at least 7,000 uniformed service personnel and force multipliers, as well as 2,850 logistical assets.

PNP Chief, Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr., said no security threat has surfaced, so far, but they will continue to be on alert for threats that may come from local terrorist groups, communist rebels, and criminal gangs.

On May 4, security forces participated in a simulation exercise at the Liberty Shrine in Mactan Island on a supposed bomb threat. –GMA Regional TV