Iligan City—Law enforcement authorities arrested five men and four female students in Barangay Hinaplanon on February 26 after they were caught firing guns, violating the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Gun Ban.
Members of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, Iligan City Police Station (ICPS) 1, and Mobile Patrol Unit (MPU) Patrol 7 intercepted the suspects, who were aboard a pick-up truck heading towards the city. Upon inspection, the authorities recovered two Glock .40 caliber pistols, two magazines, and live ammunition. The seized firearms have been turned over to the Iligan City Forensic Unit-10 (ICFU-10) for examination.
The suspects were identified as residents of Baloi and Bacolod Kalawi in Lanao del Norte, as well as Barangay Santiago and Tubod in Iligan City. They were taken into custody at ICPS 1, where appropriate charges were prepared against them for illegal discharge of firearms and violation of the COMELEC Gun Ban.
The Election Gun Ban, which is currently in effect, prohibits the carrying, transporting, and use of firearms or deadly weapons to ensure public safety during the election period. Violators face severe penalties, including imprisonment and disqualification from holding public office.
“Our forces in Iligan are quick to respond, especially since they are deployed in strategic areas. As long as the public cooperates by reporting incidents, we can act swiftly. The hotline numbers we have posted in key areas are crucial for timely response,” stated Police Major Zandrex Panolong, spokesperson of the Iligan City Police Office (ICPO).
Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activities to the ICPO hotline at 0917-712-7411 to help maintain peace and order during the election season.
