A man was arrested on Sunday, January 26, in Barangay Talisawa, Datu Abdullah Sangki, Maguindanao del Sur, for carrying a firearm without a gun ban exemption.
According to a report by the Philippine National Police (PNP), the suspect was identified as Elso Balang Manguda, a 40-year-old resident of Datu Unsay, Maguindanao del Sur. Authorities confiscated a .45 caliber pistol and six rounds of ammunition from his possession.
The investigation revealed that Manguda was riding a motorcycle when he was stopped at a police checkpoint. Upon inspection, officers discovered the firearm inside his sling bag. When asked for a gun ban exemption from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), the suspect failed to present any, leading to his arrest.
Manguda will face charges for violating the Omnibus Election Code and illegal possession of firearms. Authorities remind the public that carrying firearms without proper documentation is strictly prohibited, especially during the election period.