A gun ban is now in place at the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) as the election period for the parliamentary election began on Thursday, August 14, 2025.

According to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), the election period will run from August 14 to October 28, 2025, while the election day is set for October 13.

COMELEC said that during this period, no person shall bear or carry firearms or other deadly weapons in all public places even if he or she is licensed or authorized to possess or carry guns.

The ban also prohibits employing or availing of security personnel or bodyguards, as well as transporting or delivering firearms, parts, ammunition, explosives, or controlled chemicals.

“Even you have permit to carry, bawal yan. Otherwise, you will be charged of election offense with penalty of 1 year to 6 years (imprisonment), of course, may kaakibat na violations in the firearms law kung wala kang permit to carry,” COMELEC-BARMM Director, Atty. Ray Sumalipao, said.

The poll body also announced that those who wish to be exempted from the gun ban may apply from July 14 to October 14.

Police checkpoints have been set up across the region to mark the start of the election period and gun ban.

COMELEC and Police Regional Office-BARMM officials inspected several checkpoints in Cotabato City on Thursday.

“The public is urged to maintain close cooperation with the police, remain vigilant, and immediately report any suspected violators through the PNP 911 hotline, or report it to the nearest police stations, for a safer Bangsamoro region,” PRO-BARMM said.

Meanwhile, COMELEC said around 10,000 teachers will serve as members of the electoral board in more than 3,000 voting centers in the region.

In case teachers will back out, a special electoral board has also been readied.

Security measures for the elections are also in place.

“We will tap around 800 either from the Philippine National Police or the Philippine Coast Guard because the Coast Guard manifested their readiness to provide the members of electoral board,” Sumalipao said.

There are 73 seats to be filled in the BARMM parliamentary elections – 40 for regional political parliamentary parties, 25 for district representatives, and eight for sectoral organizations.

(With reports from Efren Mamac, GMA Regional TV One Mindanao)