PARANG, Maguindanao del Norte — A 21-year-old man was arrested during a COMELEC checkpoint operation in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte, on Monday afternoon, August 3, after authorities allegedly discovered that the firearm he was carrying was supported by documents that did not match the weapon’s details.
The suspect, identified only by the alias “Abril,” is a resident of Barangay Rebuken, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte. He was apprehended by a joint team from the Parang Municipal Police Station (MPS) and the 3rd Maneuver Platoon, 1401st A Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) 14-A during a COMELEC checkpoint at the Sitio Duran Detachment in Barangay Sarmiento.
According to the initial police investigation, the operation took place at around 3:45 p.m. while the suspect was traveling aboard a gray Suzuki minivan bearing plate number MAL 8880, en route to Cotabato City from Parang.
During the routine inspection, law enforcement officers recovered a BUL M-5 caliber .45 pistol with serial number 050305, one magazine loaded with 14 rounds of ammunition, and several documents that the suspect presented as authorization to possess and transport the firearm.
However, authorities said that upon verification, they discovered discrepancies between the details indicated in the firearm documents and the actual pistol recovered from the suspect. The inconsistency prompted officers to immediately place the man under arrest for allegedly violating the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Gun Ban, which remains in force as part of security measures for the upcoming elections.
Police informed the suspect of his constitutional rights before conducting an inventory and documentation of the seized firearm, ammunition, and related evidence at the scene.
The suspect was subsequently taken to the Parang Municipal Police Station for booking and documentation procedures. Meanwhile, the confiscated firearm and ammunition will be submitted to the Crime Laboratory for ballistic examination as part of the ongoing investigation.
The checkpoint operation was led by Parang MPS Chief of Police PLTCOL Mark Harry A. Boglosa in coordination with the 3rd MP, 1401st A Company, RMFB 14-A, headed by PLT Patrick Generoso M. Gascon, Platoon Leader.
Authorities said the suspect is expected to face charges for violating the COMELEC Gun Ban, as well as applicable provisions of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
The Philippine National Police reiterated its warning that COMELEC checkpoints and the enforcement of the gun ban will continue across the region to help ensure peace, order, and public safety in the lead-up to the elections.