SIOCON, ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE – The enduring menace of goons and guns during Philippine elections struck again on May 1, 2025, when sixteen individuals—allegedly hired goons—were arrested for possessing high-powered firearms after their motorized boat docked on the shores of Barangay Matiag in Siocon.
According to police reports, alert barangay officials reported the arrival of a suspicious motorized sea vessel locally known as a jungkung at Sitio Dolongin around 3:40 p.m. This prompted immediate action from the Siocon Municipal Police Station, with backup from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB9), Regional Intelligence Division (RID9), 905th RMFB9, Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU9), Special Action Force (SAF) units, and Philippine Army battalions (97IB, 106IB, 12 MICO, and 1st MIB PA).
Authorities boarded the vessel, identified as M/B NUR-KIZZA, in the presence of barangay officials and its crew members. Onboard were sixteen men—seven from Sulu, five from Zamboanga City, three from Tawi-Tawi, and one from Basilan—including a minor. A visual search led to the discovery of a green bandolier wrapped in transparent plastic. This triggered a more thorough inspection, which uncovered the following firearms and ammunition:
- One M14 rifle
- One M16 rifle
- One .45 caliber pistol found inside a sling bag near the captain’s seat
- Nine long steel M16 magazines
- Three short M16 magazines
- Four M14 magazines with multiple rounds of assorted ammunition concealed in the engine room under plywood
The suspects are now under the custody of the Siocon Municipal Police Station. They are facing charges for violating Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) and the Omnibus Election Code. An inquest is underway.
This incident once again underscores the persistent issue of private armed groups being deployed during elections, particularly in conflict-prone regions. Despite numerous government campaigns and law enforcement efforts over the years, the presence of goons and illegal firearms continues to mar the country’s democratic process, often leaving a trail of bloodshed, fear, and impunity.
As the 2025 elections approach, this recent apprehension serves as both a warning and a grim reminder: the culture of violence surrounding Philippine elections remains deeply rooted, and unless meaningful reforms are implemented, the cycle of intimidation and violence is doomed to repeat.