DATU ODIN SINSUAT, Maguindanao del Norte — Police arrested a man after he was allegedly caught carrying a firearm inside an establishment in Barangay Awang on August 10, 2026, in an incident reportedly linked to a violation of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) gun ban.
According to the police report, authorities received information at around 2:30 p.m. regarding an armed man who was drinking inside the Hideout Bar. The man was reportedly seen cocking his firearm while inside the establishment, prompting authorities to immediately respond to the area.
Upon arrival, responding police officers allegedly found the suspect holding the firearm.
Police said the man failed to present the required documents authorizing him to possess or carry the weapon, including a firearm license, a permit to carry outside the residence, and an exemption from the COMELEC gun ban.
The suspect was subsequently arrested, while the firearm and ammunition allegedly in his possession were confiscated by the authorities.
The confiscated weapon and ammunition are now under police custody as authorities prepare the appropriate charges. The case may involve provisions of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, as well as applicable COMELEC regulations governing the election-period gun ban.
Authorities continue to document and investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident as part of the process of determining the appropriate charges against the arrested individual.
The arrest and allegations do not constitute a finding of guilt. The suspect remains entitled to due process, and any criminal liability will ultimately be determined through the proper legal proceedings.