FALSE: “Nationwide Gun Ban” to be implemented during the fifth SONA,

Kristine Claire Edaga

A social media post circulating ahead of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27, 2026, claims that the Philippine National Police (PNP) will impose a nationwide gun ban as part of its security measures for the event.

CLAIM: 

The post claims that a nationwide gun ban will be implemented during the SONA on July 27, 2026. 

RATING: 

FALSE

CONCLUSION:

The PNP clarified that no nationwide gun ban has been imposed in connection with the SONA. While stricter security measures will be enforced during the event, these are limited to designated security areas and do not apply nationwide. 

THE FACTS:

• In an official statement, PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. clarified that information circulating online claiming a nationwide gun ban during the fifth SONA is incorrect. 
• The PNP also stated that no directive imposing a nationwide gun ban has been issued. Instead, existing laws, local ordinances, and established security protocols remain in effect. 
• As part of the security preparations, police personnel will strictly enforce restrictions on the carrying of firearms and other deadly weapons within designated security areas and other locations where such restrictions are authorised. 

THE BOTTOMLINE: 

The PNP clarified that the claim is false. Security measures for the fifth SONA do not include a nationwide gun ban.