Cotabato City—In a concerted effort to enforce the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) gun ban, personnel from Police Station 3 (PS 3), Cotabato City Police Office (CCPO), and the 1404th Mobile Force Company (MFC) of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 14-A apprehended an individual for violating COMELEC Resolution No. 11067. The arrest occurred at Esteros Checkpoint, Mother Barangay Tamontaka, Cotabato City, on January 12, 2025.
The suspect, identified only by the alias “Saud,” is a legal-aged resident of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte. Authorities flagged down the black minivan Saud was driving after noticing a firearm in plain view during the routine checkpoint inspection.
Confiscated items from the suspect included:
- One CZ P-09 pistol,
- One magazine containing ten (10) live rounds of ammunition, and
- One spare magazine with two (2) additional live rounds.
Regional Director PBGEN Romeo J. Macapaz lauded the swift and efficient actions of the personnel involved in the operation, commending their commitment to ensuring public safety and maintaining peace and order during this election period. He also emphasized the importance of adhering to COMELEC’s directives, particularly the gun ban, which is critical in preventing election-related violence.
“Carrying firearms, ammunition, or firearm components such as magazines without proper authorization or an exemption granted by the COMELEC is a serious offense. Our law enforcement personnel will remain vigilant in strictly implementing this directive,” PBGEN Macapaz stated.
The COMELEC gun ban, which is in effect during the election period, aims to curb the proliferation of illegal firearms and reduce the potential for violence. The public is reminded to comply with the regulations and report any violations to the authorities.
The suspect is now in police custody, and charges for illegal possession of firearms and violation of the COMELEC gun ban are being prepared against him.