Cotabato City: The number of election gun ban violators in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has risen to 34, according to the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR). Brig. Gen. Romeo Macapaz, PRO-BAR director, announced that 36 assorted firearms have been confiscated in the region as part of intensified efforts to enforce the gun ban ahead of the May 12 midterm elections.

According to Philippines News Agency, 34 individuals have been arrested for violating the gun ban law. The latest violator, Thong Gayak, chairperson of Barangay Tamontaka 4 in Cotabato City, was arrested on March 1 along with two companions. A joint team of police and Philippine Marine troopers apprehended them at a checkpoint along De Mazenod Avenue, Barangay Rosary Heights 3, for possessing three unlicensed pistols.

Capt. Rustan Dea±o, Police Station 1 chief, stated that the trio failed to present documents legalizing their possession of firearms or an exemption from the election gun ban. They are facing charges for violating Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution 11067, also known as the Comelec gun ban, and Republic Act 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

Macapaz emphasized that the gun ban will be strictly enforced, with no special treatment for violators, including soldiers and police personnel. As the campaign period for House of Representatives and local candidates begins on March 28, PRO-BAR plans to establish more checkpoints to ensure compliance with the gun ban. The campaign period will run until May 10, with increased political activities expected across the region.

The arrests and confiscations underscore the government’s commitment to maintaining peace and order during the election season.