Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur — Authorities arrested an individual, identified only as alias Moro, for violating the Omnibus Election Code after being caught with a firearm during a Commission on Elections (COMELEC) checkpoint operation on the evening of September 2, 2025.
The joint operation was carried out at around 7:30 p.m. in Sitio Malinis, Brgy. Mother Poblacion, by personnel from the Shariff Aguak Municipal Police Station, led by PMAJ Pablo C. Boloy Jr., and troops from Alpha Company of the 90th Infantry Battalion under LT Jasper Ian Molina. The checkpoint was supervised by PCOL Sultan Salman H. Sapal, Provincial Director of the Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office.
Police said the suspect, who was riding a “payong-payong” tricycle, displayed suspicious and evasive behavior. Upon inspection, operatives discovered a Beretta M09837Z caliber 9mm pistol with one magazine loaded with five live rounds inside the suspect’s sling bag. The firearm bore Philippine National Police (PNP) markings, but the suspect failed to present documentation or a COMELEC exemption authorizing him to carry a weapon.
The suspect and the confiscated firearm were brought to the Shariff Aguak police station for documentation. The weapon has since been turned over to the Regional Forensic Unit–BAR for ballistic examination.
PCOL Sapal commended the personnel involved for their vigilance and underscored the strict enforcement of election laws during the gun ban period.
“Carrying firearms during the election period without proper authorization is a serious offense that undermines the integrity of our democratic exercise and poses a direct threat to public safety,” Sapal said. “We will not tolerate any attempts to disrupt the electoral process or intimidate voters in the upcoming 1st BARMM Parliamentary Election.”
He added that the arrest serves as a stern warning to violators of the Omnibus Election Code, assuring that joint police and military forces remain on high alert to maintain safe, orderly, and peaceful elections.
Authorities urged the public to cooperate by adhering to election laws and reporting any suspicious activities to law enforcement.