Antipolo: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will implement a gun ban and establish checkpoints in eight villages within Antipolo City's Second District in preparation for the special election scheduled on March 14. This election aims to fill the seat left vacant by the late Romeo Acop, who passed away from a heart attack on December 20, 2025. The election period is set to run from February 12 to March 29.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Comelec en banc, under Resolution No. 11190, specified that the gun ban and checkpoints will be in effect in the villages of Calawis, Cupang, Dalig, Inarawan, San Jose, San Juan, San Luis, and San Roque. The restrictions will focus on prohibiting the carrying or transport of firearms, deadly weapons, explosives, and controlled chemicals. It will also regulate the employment of security personnel or bodyguards and oversee the operation of Comelec checkpoints, as well as the declaration of election areas of concern or areas under Comelec control within the district.
The Comelec will start accepting applications for gun ban exemptions, known as Certificates of Authority (CA), from February 2 to March 18, during office hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding weekends and holidays. Additionally, the validity of CAs issued to law enforcement agencies, diplomatic missions, security agencies, cashiers or disbursing officers, and high-risk individuals for the May 2025 midterm elections will be extended, provided that all licenses and permits remain valid.
