The call for impartial enforcement of the election gun ban in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) highlights a critical challenge in the region’s ongoing peace and security efforts. The concerns raised by Climate Conflict Action Asia (CCAA) regarding alleged preferential treatment toward members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) deserve serious scrutiny, particularly as they touch upon the integrity of the democratic process and the rule of law.
The Question of Selective Enforcement
CCAA’s concerns stem from a February 6 incident in Sultan sa Barongis, Maguindanao del Sur, where 17 MILF members were apprehended for possessing and transporting high-powered firearms in violation of the Comelec gun ban. However, these individuals were reportedly released within 24 hours following the intervention of the MILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities, leaving behind their seized firearms. This incident has raised doubts about whether the gun ban is being enforced equitably or if certain groups enjoy exemptions.
The fact that these MILF members were reportedly involved in an armed clash just days before their arrest further complicates the matter. If the gun ban is to be an effective tool in preventing election-related violence, then it must apply uniformly to all groups—without exception. The enforcement of this regulation should not be subject to political considerations or historical affiliations.
MILF’s Silence on the Issue
Despite these concerns, the MILF has remained silent on the matter, choosing not to respond to allegations of preferential treatment. Even in cases where MILF members have been directly involved in incidents of armed violence or clear violations of the gun ban, the group has not issued any official statements or taken steps to address the issue publicly. This silence raises further questions about accountability and whether the MILF leadership is committed to upholding the same legal standards expected of all armed groups in the region. Their lack of response only fuels speculation that certain factions within the MILF still operate outside the scope of the law, despite the peace agreement with the government.
PNP’s Assurance of Fairness
In response to these concerns, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Regional Office in BARMM (PRO BAR) reaffirmed its commitment to a fair and impartial enforcement of the election gun ban. The office provided figures to demonstrate its efforts, including the conduct of 294 operations that resulted in the surrender of 303 firearms and 10 explosives, as well as the arrest of 34 individuals.
Moreover, PRO BAR has established tens of thousands of checkpoints and coordinated with various stakeholders to deter election-related violence. While these efforts are commendable, the real test lies in whether the rules apply to all groups equally, including those affiliated with the MILF. Simply stating a commitment to fairness is not enough—there must be transparency and demonstrable actions that prove the absence of preferential treatment.
The Need for Accountability and Trust
For the people of BARMM, a region that has long grappled with violence and instability, ensuring a truly impartial implementation of the gun ban is not just a matter of legal compliance—it is a prerequisite for peace. The failure to impose immediate accountability for violations erodes public trust and risks exacerbating tensions between armed factions and local communities.
To address these concerns, the government and security forces must take decisive action. This includes:
- Full Transparency in Law Enforcement: Every case of gun ban violations, regardless of the individuals or groups involved, must be documented and made publicly accessible.
- Equal Application of the Law: The legal process must not be influenced by political ties or historical affiliations. Arrests and disarmament must be carried out consistently.
- Enhanced Monitoring and Oversight: Independent bodies, including civil society organizations, should be allowed to observe and evaluate the enforcement of the gun ban.
- Clear Accountability Measures: Any violations of the law—whether committed by political figures, armed groups, or law enforcement officers—must be met with swift and appropriate legal consequences.
Conclusion
The upcoming local and parliamentary elections in BARMM will serve as a crucial test of the region’s democratic stability. If the security sector fails to implement the election gun ban fairly and effectively, it risks further destabilizing an already fragile peace. Authorities must act with unwavering resolve to ensure that no individual or group is above the law. Only through genuine impartiality can the democratic process be safeguarded, and lasting peace be realized in the region.
