Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan expressed full support for the gun ban that will be implemented by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Manila Police District (MPD) in the city from Jan. 12 to June 11, in line with the upcoming 2025 national elections.
As the local chief executive, she called on barangay chairmen, kagawads, and tanods to serve as force multipliers for the police in ensuring that all safety measures are carried out effectively.
She also directed that all closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and dashcams on response vehicles be operational and well-maintained for monitoring purposes.
The mayor also ordered heightened surveillance along the city's main border roads, aiming to prevent criminals from entering Manila and to ensure that violators of the gun ban cannot escape.
She emphasized that the city's checkpoints will adhere to strict standards set by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), with officers required to wear nameplates, maintain proper lighting at checkpoint areas, and respect individuals being stopped.
The mayor made it clear that no one is exempt from the gun ban, urging the strict enforcement of the law, including proper searches, seizure procedures, and warrantless arrests when necessary.
She encouraged motorists to keep their dashcams and helmet cams active, as these devices can serve as protection in case of encounters with unscrupulous individuals.
She also advised barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials to ensure that youth groups in their areas of responsibility remain disciplined and law-abiding.
The MPD checkpoints will also be closely monitoring gang members, urging them to comply with the rules.
Schools, especially high schools, have also been directed to implement child protection policies and conduct security inspections on campus.
The mayor further stressed the need for the presence of barangay tanods and traffic enforcers from the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB) around school grounds to ensure the safety of students.
The gun ban, which is in effect across the country, is part of a broader effort to curb gun-related violence and maintain public order during the election period.