Cotabato City – May 26, 2025 — Authorities apprehended two men at a checkpoint in Cotabato City for violating election-related gun regulations and firearm control laws.
The arrest was made by a joint team composed of personnel from Police Station 3 of the Cotabato City Police Office, the 1404th A Maneuver Force Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 14A, the 55th Mechanized Company, and the Marine Battalion Landing Team-5. The operation was conducted at the Esteros Checkpoint in Mother Barangay Tamontaka.
The suspects, identified only by their aliases “Jack” and “Jam,” are residents of Barangay Makir, Dalican in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte. They were riding a black SKYGO motorcycle with no license plate when they were stopped by authorities. During inspection, law enforcers found a Caliber .45 1911 pistol with a magazine loaded with four live rounds tucked in the waistband of one of the suspects.
The arresting officers informed the individuals of the reason for their arrest and read them their constitutional rights under the Miranda Doctrine and Anti-Torture Law in a language they understood.
Charges are being prepared for violations of Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Resolution No. 11067, which implements the election-period gun ban, and Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
The seized firearm and ammunition have been turned over to the Regional Forensic Unit of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region for ballistic examination. A request for firearm verification will also be submitted to the Regional Civil Security Unit–BAR.
Police Regional Office–BAR Regional Director PBGEN Romeo J. Macapaz emphasized the importance of strict enforcement of election-related laws.
“This successful apprehension is a result of our intensified security operations and inter-agency collaboration. As the COMELEC gun ban remains in effect, our personnel are fully committed to upholding the law and ensuring the safety of our communities. Gun ban violations will be dealt with firmly, without exceptions,” Macapaz said.
Authorities continue to remind the public that the election-period gun ban remains in force and that violations will be met with appropriate legal action.