TAGOLOAN, MISAMIS ORIENTAL – Personnel of the Tagoloan Municipal Police Station (MPS), in collaboration with the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) and the 28th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, apprehended the first violator of the COMELEC Gun Ban in Poblacion Tagoloan early morning on January 12, 2025.
The suspect, identified only as alias “King,” a 31-year-old resident of Purok 4, Barangay Salimbalan, Baungon, Bukidnon, was flagged down at around 1:05 AM during a COMELEC checkpoint operation. Authorities stopped him for riding a single motorcycle without a helmet.
Upon inspection, police discovered a .38 caliber Smith & Wesson pistol without a serial number, loaded with three live rounds of ammunition, in the suspect’s possession. The suspect failed to present any documentation to prove the legality of carrying the firearm, leading to his immediate arrest.
The confiscated firearm has been sent to the Regional Crime Laboratory 10 in Patag, Cagayan de Oro City, for ballistics examination. Meanwhile, charges for violations of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, and the Omnibus Election Code are being prepared against the suspect.
PBGEN Jaysen C. De Guzman, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10), lauded the operating units for their diligence in enforcing the COMELEC Gun Ban.
“This arrest underscores our firm commitment to enforcing election laws and safeguarding our communities during this critical time. Let this serve as a warning to those who intend to violate the COMELEC Gun Ban. We will not waver in our duty to uphold public safety,” PBGEN De Guzman stated.
The PRO10 also reminded the public to report any suspicious activities or violations of the election code to the nearest police station or through the PNP hotline numbers, emphasizing their role in ensuring peace and order during the election period.
The COMELEC Gun Ban, which aims to maintain peace and security during the election season, strictly prohibits the carrying of firearms or deadly weapons outside of residence without proper authorization.