The Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group (PNP-AVSEG) arrested a passenger in Tacloban City Airport for allegedly carrying a replica of a submachine gun in his luggage amid the ongoing election gun ban.

PNP-AVSEG director Police Brigadier General Christopher Abecia said said the passenger was prohibited from boarding his flight to Manila and was nabbed after a routine screening at the airport found in his baggage a replica of a Heckler & Koch MP5 submachine gun, complete with a magazine.

The PNP-AVSEG noted that this was a violation of Republic Act No. 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, in relation to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution No. 11067.

The nationwide gun ban took effect on January 12, coinciding with the start of the election period, and will continue until June 11, 2025.

PNP-AVSEG emphasized that the transport of firearms and deadly weapons, including replicas and toy guns, is strictly prohibited.

Toy guns and replicas are included in the list of prohibited items by the Department of Transportation’s Office for Transportation Security.

Possession of such items may still also result in being offloaded or arrested even outside the Comelec gun ban period, it added.

“The implementation of these measures is part of our duty to ensure the safety and security of every passenger and flight nationwide. We urge the public to always check their baggage for prohibited items before traveling to avoid inconvenience,” PNP-AVSEG added.